THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


IN  MEMORY  OF 

Heniy  Gutterson  1884-1954 


THE    ROMANCE    OF    KING    ARTHUR    AND 
HIS    KNIGHTS    OF    THE    ROUND    TABLE 


THE  MACMILLAN  COMPANY 

NEW  YORK    •    BOSTON   •    CHICAGO   •    DALLAS 
ATLANTA  •   SAN  FRANCISCO 

MACMILLAN  &  CO.,  LIMITKD 

LONDON  •   BOMBAY  •   CALCUTTA 
MELBOURNE 

THE  MACMILLAN  CO.  OF  CANADA,  LTD. 

TORONTO 


THE    ROMANCE    OF 

KING  ARTHUR 

AND   HIS  KNIGHTS  OF 
THE   ROUND   TABLE 

ABRIDGED   FROM 
MALORY'S    MORTE    D'ARTHUR 

BY 

ALFRED  W.   POLLARD 

ILLUSTRATED    BY 

ARTHUR    RACKHAM 


THE    MACMILLAN    COMPANY 

64-66   FIFTH   AVENUE,   NEW  YORK 

1920 


COPYRIGHT,  1917, 
BY  THE  MACMILLAN  COMPANY. 

Set  up  and  electrotyped.    Published  October,  1917. 


Norfaooto 

J.  8.  Gushing  Co.  —  Berwick  &  Smith  Co. 
Norwood,  Mass.,  U.S.A. 


PREFACE 


THE  story  of  King  Arthur  and  his  Knights  is  one  of  the 
greatest  that  men  have  ever  made,  greater  by  far  than  that 
of  Charlemagne,  which  had  come  into  fashion  a  little  earlier, 
greater  perhaps  even  than  the  Tale  of  Troy,  already  some 
two  thousand  years  old,  which  for  some  centuries  it  eclipsed. 
It  is  through  the  fifteenth-century  prose  of  Sir  Thomas 
Malory,  in  which  homeliness  and  nobility  go  hand-in-hand, 
that  it  holds  its  place  in  our  hearts,  but  the  story  itself  was 
the  outcome  of  the  second  half  of  the  twelfth  century  and 
the  beginning  of  the  thirteenth,  the  days  in  England  of 
Henry  II.  and  his  three  turbulent  sons,  Geoifrey,  Richard 
Coeur  de  Lion,  and  John,  the  days  in  France  of  trouvere 


vi  THE   ROMANCE  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

and  troubadour,  the  days  in  Italy  of  S.  Francis  of  Assisi 
and  the  worldliness  against  which  he  strove.  Something  of 
the  spirit  of  all  these  entered  into  the  story,  together  with 
some  contemporary  theology,  while  the  stuff  of  which  it 
was  woven  was  largely  derived  from  the  Celtic  borderland 
with  which  the  Norman  rulers  of  England  had  come  in  con- 
tact in  Wales  and  Brittany. 

In  the  days  when  the  Arthurian  romances  were  coming 
into  existence,  violence,  cruelty,  and  luxury  were  rampant, 
and  the  story  bears  many  traces  of  them ;  but  the  greatness 
of  these  evils  called  forth  some  great  virtues  to  counter  them, 
and  the  story  bears  traces  of  these  also  and  strives  gallantly 
to  be  true  to  its  ideals,  though  when  primitive  notions,  more 
especially  the  old  belief  in  magic,  crop  up  in  it,  it  sometimes 
stumbles.  Despite  such  stumblings,  it  is  penetrated  to  its 
very  core  by  the  special  virtues  of  days  in  which  men  were 
content  to  live  dangerously  (dangerously  for  themselves, 
not  merely  dangerously  as  against  others),  carrying  their 
lives  in  their  hands  and  willing  to  lay  them  down  lightly 
rather  than  break  the  rules  of  the  game  or  be  faithless  to 
word  or  friend. 

A  wandering  knight  challenges  a  great  lord  in  a  trial 
of  skill,  to  be  fought  out  to  death  or  exhaustion,  beneath 
the  walls  of  the  lord's  castle.  The  wandering  knight  wins 
the  day,  and  the  lord  becomes  his  vassal,  takes  him  into  his 
castle,  feasts  him,  appoints  a  guard  for  his  protection,  and, 
when  the  victor  bids  him  report  himself  at  Arthur's  court, 
comes  on  the  appointed  day  attended  by  all  his  retinue. 
That  the  lord's  men  should  interfere  in  the  fight,  or  the 


PREFACE  vii 

lord  himself  break  his  promise,  was  unthinkable  to  these 
romancers ;  and  on  this  simple  basis  of  gallantry  and  good 
faith  there  was  built  up  a  code  full  of  fine  courtesies,  such 
as  those  which  forbade  a  great  jouster  to  interfere  with  a 
lesser  one  on  a  day  when  he  was  outdoing  himself,  or  a 
fresh  knight  to  challenge  one  already  tired  with  many 
victories. 

The  determination  to  live  dangerously  brought  a  strange 
and  evil  convention  into  the  relations  between  knights  and 
their  ladies.  A  good  knight  held  himself  at  the  service  of 
every  woman  who  asked  his  help  —  to  rescue  a  woman  he 
must  needs  leave  even  his  own  brother  in  jeopardy  —  but 
he  also  owed  a  special  service  to  the  lady  whose  badge,  if 
she  so  graced  him,  he  wore,  whose  presence  spurred  him  to 
excel  himself,  and  whose  pre-eminence  over  the  ladies  of 
other  knights  he  maintained  at  the  risk  of  his  life.  This 
lady  might  not  be  his  own  wife,  if  he  had  one,  and  she 
might  quite  properly  be  some  one  else's  wife,  her  knight's 
homage  be  approved  by  her  husband  as  a  tribute  to  her 
worth,  and  the  whole  relation  be  treated  as  part  of  the  great 
game  of  chivalry.  But  if  it  passed  beyond  a  game  and 
the  husband  hated  to  see  his  wife  caring  more  for  another 
man  than  for  himself,  then  it  became  dangerous,  and  because 
it  was  dangerous,  although  every  one  knew  it  was  wrong, 
it  made  a  story  more  exciting,  and  all  the  writers  of  these 
Arthurian  romances  chose  this  exciting  subject  as  a  literary 
fashion.  In  the  story  of  Tristram  and  Isoud,  which  forms 
one  section  of  this  book,  we  see  clearly  how  overmastering 
the  fashion  had  become.  Tristram  had  taken  Isoud  as  his 


viii          THE   ROMANCE  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

lady,  while  she  was  still  unmarried ;  Isoud  was  (openly 
and  humbly)  in  love  with  him ;  her  father,  the  King  of  Ire- 
land, was  eager  for  the  match;  but  the  romancer  thought 
that  their  marriage  would  spoil  the  story,  so  he  made  Tris- 
tram, after  he  had  gained  Isoud's  love,  woo  her,  not  for 
himself,  but  for  his  uncle,  King  Mark  of  Cornwall,  and  then 
made  Tristram  and  Isoud  drink,  by  mischance,  a  magic 
love-potion,  to  excuse  them  for  loving  each  other  ever  after. 

The  literary  fashion  or  convention  which  imposed  itself 
in  this  way  on  the  romancers  was  thoroughly  bad;  but 
the  saving  merit  in  this  respect  of  the  Arthurian  romances 
is  that,  though  they  insist  on  this  situation  in  order  to  show 
the  hero  daring  all  sorts  of  dangers,  they  make  it  perfectly 
clear  that  the  situation  was  wrong  and  could  not  go  un- 
punished. With  one  exception  every  knight  who  yielded 
to  this  sin  is  shown  as  paying  for  it  with  his  life.  The  one 
exception  is  Sir  Launcelot,  and  him  we  see  maimed  and 
marred  by  thus  setting  his  love  where  he  should  not,  and 
atoning  for  it,  as  much  as  a  man  may  atone  for  wrecking 
the  lives  of  others,  by  bitter  repentance. 

The  story  of  the  Arthurian  romances  is  a  great  story, 
because  it  shows  us  the  effect  on  many  different  characters 
of  this  obligation  to  live  dangerously.  The  men  and  women 
who  fill  its  pages  are  not  just  names  or  figures  to  which  adven- 
tures are  tacked  on.  They  are  men  and  women  of  real  flesh 
and  blood,  no  two  of  them  alike  (save  when  the  writer  of 
one  section  deliberately  copied  another),  each  with  his  own 
virtues  and  failings.  King  Arthur  himself  is,  as  we  say 
nowadays,  a  typical  sportsman.  He  loves  jousting  —  to  take 


PREFACE  ix 

part  in  it,  to  see  it,  and  to  talk  about  it  —  more  than  anything 
else,  as  some  men  now  love  less  dangerous  games.  He  cares 
for  the  men  with  whom  he  shares  his  sport,  but  he  cares  for 
them  as  his  fellow-jousters,  and  he  never  gets  much  further. 
He  falls  below  lesser  knights  who  had  borne  imprisonment 
rather  than  fight  in  a  bad  cause,  for  which  he  cheerfully 
does  battle;  he  is  so  keen  on  his  own  side  winning  that  he 
overrides  the  etiquette  that  forbade  a  strong  knight  to  attack 
a  good  fighter  tired  by  his  own  successes ;  he  is  weak  in 
his  own  life  and  weak  in  suffering  the  outrages  of  his  neph- 
ews. His  great  merit  is  that,  though  a  king,  he  never 
spared  to  take  his  risks,  and  by  that  courage  he  held  men's 
hearts,  so  that  "all  men  of  worship  said  it  was  merry  to 
be  under  such  a  chieftain,  that  would  put  his  person  in  adven- 
ture as  other  poor  knights  did."  Also,  to  the  very  last, 
he  could  be  trusted  to  keep  his  word. 

Sir  Launcelot  is  made  of  much  finer  stuff  than  Arthur. 
He  is  perhaps  the  most  splendid  study  of  a  great  gentleman 
in  all  our  literature,  generous  to  friend  and  foe,  courteous 
to  every  one,  eager  to  set  himself  ever  harder  adventures, 
unwilling  to  be  praised  above  his  fellows,  always  bearing 
himself  with  an  easy  dignity  which  lets  him  use  very  straight 
speech  and  yet  is  no  whit  impaired.  He  is  more  than  a 
great  gentleman ;  he  is  a  very  subtle  study  of  a  soul  in  which 
spirit  and  flesh,  aspiration  and  evil  habit,  strive  for  the  mas- 
tery, and  now  and  again  he  is  pourtrayed  with  a  rare  knowl- 
edge of  the  human  heart.  More  wonderful  even  than  the 
closing  scenes  with  Guenevere  seems  to  me  the  story  of  the 
coming  of  Sir  Urre  to  have  his  wounds  healed  by  "the 


x     THE  ROMANCE  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

best  knight  of  the  world,"  and  how  when  all  others  in 
Arthur's  court  had  failed  Launcelot  touched  the  wounds  in  all 
humility,  and  when  his  touch  brought  healing,  while  King 
Arthur  and  all  the  kings  and  knights  gave  thanks,  "ever 
Sir  Launcelot  wept  as  he  had  been  a  child  that  had  been 
beaten." 

Sir  Tristram  is  a  curiously  different  study.  Perhaps 
because  of  the  love-potion,  his  fault  sits  lightly  upon  him ; 
he  has  a  most  detailed  memory  for  the  services  he  renders, 
and  is  quite  unconscious  of  there  being  any  set  off.  But  he 
is  delightfully  easy-tempered  and  forgiving,  joyous  and 
humorous,  and  deserves  kindly  remembrance  for  much  else 
than  his  harping  and  his  nicety  of  skill  in  ordering  the  techni- 
cal terms  of  the  chase,  which  so  impressed  his  chroniclers. 
But  he  never  touches  greatness. 

Tristram's  assiduous  opponent,  Sir  Palomides,  the  Saracen, 
is  a  rather  laboured  but  quite  successful  portrait.  Probably 
because  he  was  a  Saracen  he  is  represented  as  not  quite  a 
gentleman,  but  pathetically  anxious  to  become  one.  He 
is  constantly  doing  things  which  Sir  Launcelot,  or  even  Sir 
Tristram,  would  have  died  sooner  than  do,  and  then  he  pulls 
himself  together  and  apologises  and  tries  manfully  to  play 
the  game.  His  final  appearance,  when  he  is  badly  mauled 
by  Sir  Tristram  as  a  preliminary  to  being  christened, 
is  singularly  successful,  none  the  less  so  for  its  touches  of 
humour. 

To  attempt  to  study  here  others  of  the  men  and  women 
who  live  in  Malory's  story  would  give  to  this  preface  too 
great  a  resemblance  to  the  page  in  school  magazines  headed 


PREFACE  xi 

"Characters  of  the  Team."  It  remains  to  say  a  brief  word 
as  to  what  has  been  done  in  this  abridgment.  There  is 
good  reason  to  believe  that  Sir  Thomas  Malory  was  a  Lan- 
castrian knight  who  himself  knew  the  pains  of  sickness  and 
imprisonment,  as  to  which  he  wrote  so  feelingly.  He  had 
to  make  his  compilation  from  such  books  as  he  could  get 
(he  apparently  never  obtained  the  last  volume  of  the  romance 
of  Sir  Tristram),  and  it  is  probable  that  when  his  version 
was  made  his  life  was  drawing  to  a  close,  and  that,  even  if 
he  had  the  wish,  he  had  not  time  or  strength  to  revise  it. 
That  version  is  so  great  a  book,  written,  as  I  have  said,  in  a 
style  in  which  homely  charm  and  nobility  are  so  closely  inter- 
linked, that  to  tamper  with  it  may  seem  a  crime.  But  dur- 
ing the  last  few  years  there  have  been  many  complete  texts  of 
the  Morte  d*  Arthur  —  I  have  passed  one  through  the  press 
myself  —  and  an  invitation  to  act  as  Malory's  abridger, 
even  as  Malory  had  abridged  the  romances  themselves,  found 
me  daring  enough  to  think  that  such  a  further  abridgment 
would  be  a  very  interesting  experiment.  There  is  much  repe- 
tition in  the  Morte  d?  Arthur,  as  Malory  left  it.  How  often 
Sir  Breuse  sans  Pitie  played  his  ugly  tricks,  or  Tristram  res- 
cued Palomides,  or  minor  knights  met  at  adventure  and  emu- 
lated their  betters,  it  is  not  easy  to  count.  I  have  tried  to 
clear  away  some  of  the  underwoods  that  the  great  trees  may 
be  better  seen,  and  though  I  know  that  I  have  cleared  away 
some  small  timber  that  is  fine  stuff  in  itself,  if  the  great  trees 
stand  out  the  better,  the  experiment  may  be  forgiven.  In 
attempting  it  I  have  introduced,  I  think,  not  more  than  a 
hundred  words  of  my  own,  but  in  certain  places  I  have  taken 


x 


THE   ROMANCE  OF   KING  ARTHUR 


over  the  readings  devised  half  a  century  ago  for  the  well-known 
Globe  edition  by  Sir  Edward  Strachey,  which  has  justified 
itself  by  passing  through  some  twenty  editions,  and  has  prob- 
ably brought  Malory  more  readers  than  all  other  texts  put 
together. 

ALFRED  W.  POLLARD. 


CONTENTS 

©f  Iting  Slrtfjur 

Of  the  birth  of  King  Arthur  and  of  his  nurture I 

Of  the  death  of  King  Uther  Pendragon,  and  how  Arthur  was  chosen  king     .        6 

How  King  Arther  was  crowned,  and  how  he  made  officers  and  held  a  great 

feast,  and  of  the  war  that  he  had,  and  how  he  held  the  field   .         .        .12 

Of  King  Arthur  and  King  Pellinore  and  how  Arthur  sent  for  his  mother        .       16 

How  Arthur  fought  with  King  Pellinore  and  how  Merlin  saved  Arthur's 

life,  and  Arthur  by  the  mean  of  Merlin  gat  his  sword  Excalibur      .         .       19 

How  King  Arthur  wedded  Guenever,  daughter  to  Leodegrance,  king  of 
the  land  of  Cameliard,  with  whom  he  had  the  Round  Table,  and  how 
Tor  and  Gawaine  were  made  knights 26 

How  Merlin  was  assotted  and  doted  on  one  of  the  ladies  of  the  lake,  and 

how  he  was  shut  in  a  rock  under  a  stone  and  there  died          .         .  3 1 

How  King  Arthur,  King  Uriens,  and  Sir  Accolon  of  Gaul,  chased  an  hart, 
and  of  their  marvellous  adventures,  and  how  King  Arthur  and  Accolon 
took  upon  them  to  do  battle 33 

Of  the  battle  between  King  Arthur  and  Accolon,  and  how  Accolon  con- 
fessed the  treason  of  Morgan  le  Fay 39 

How  Queen  Morgan  le  Fay  made  great  sorrow  for  the  death  of  Accolon, 
and  how  she  stole  away  the  scabbard  from  Arthur,  and  of  the  mantle 

she  sent  to  him 45 

ziii 


xiv          THE   ROMANCE  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

©f  Sir  launcelot 

PAGE 

How  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Lionel  departed  from  the  court,  and  how  Sir 
Lionel  was  taken,  and  how  four  queens  found  Sir  Launcelot  sleeping 
and  led  him  to  a  castle 50 

How  Sir  Launcelot  was  delivered  by  the  mean  of  a  damosel,  and  fought  for 

her  father,  King  Bagdemagus,  in  a  tournament 54 

How  Sir  Launcelot  fought  with  Sir  Turquine  and  slew  him,  and  sent  Sir 

Gaheris  to  deliver  all  Sir  Tiirquine's  prisoners 58 

How  Sir  Launcelot  rode  with  a  damosel  and  slew  a   knight  that  distressed 

all  ladies  and  how  he  delivered  Sir  Kay 63 

How  Sir  Launcelot  rode  disguised  in  Sir  Kay's  harness  and  overthrew  four 
knights  of  the  Round  Table,  and  how  he  was  required  of  a  damosel  to 
heal  her  brother 67 

How  Sir  Launcelot  came  into  the  Chapel  Perilous  and   how  he  healed  the 

damosel's  brother  and  returned  to  King  Arthur's  court   ....       70 

©f  Sir  ®areti) 

How  Beaumains  came  to  King  Arthur's  court  and  asked  three  gifts  of  King 
Arthur,  and  of  a  damosel  that  desired  a  knight  to  fight  for  a  lady,  and 
how  Beaumains  desired  the  battle 74 

How  Beaumains  departed,  and  how  he  gat  of  Sir  Kay  a  spear  and  a  shield, 

and  how  he  jousted  with  Sir  Launcelot,  and  of  him  was  dubbed  knight      79 

How  Beaumains  fought  and  slew  two  knights  at  a  passage,  and  how  he  slew 

also  the  Knight  of  the  Black  Launds 82 

How  two  brothers  of  the  Black  Knight  met  with  Beaumains,  and  fought 
with  Beaumains  till  they  were  yielden,  and  how  the  damosel  still  re- 
buked him 86 

How  Sir  Beaumains  answered  the  damosel  patiently,  and  how  he  fought 
with  the  fourth  brother,  Sir  Persant  of  Inde,  and  made  him  to  be 
yielden 92 

Of  the  goodly  communication  between  Sir  Persant  and  Beaumains,  and  how 
the  lady  that  was  besieged  had  word  from  her  sister  that  she  had 
brought  a  knight  to  fight  for  her 96 


CONTENTS  xv 

PAGE 

How  Beaumains  blew  a  horn,  and  then  the  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds  came 
to  fight  with  him,  and  how  Beaumains  made  him  yield  to  the  lady  and 
go  unto  King  Arthur's  court  and  cry  Sir  Launcelot  mercy,  and  of  the 
troth  plight  of  Beaumains  and  the  lady 99 

How  the  Queen  of  Orkney  came  to  King  Arthur's  court,  and  how  King 

Arthur  sent  for  Dame  Lionesse  and  of  the  tourney  held  at  her  castle      .     105 

How  Sir  Gareth  came  to  a  castle  where  he  was  well  lodged,  and  how  he 
jousted  with  the  lord  of  the  castle,  and  how  Sir  Gareth  and  Sir  Gawaine 
fought  each  against  other  and  knew  each  other  by  the  damosel  Linet  .  112 

Of  the  wedding  of  Sir  Gareth  and  Dame  Lionesse  and  of  the  officers  made 

at  the  feast 1 16 


©f  Sir  Tristram 

How  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones  was  born,  and  how  his  mother  died  at  his 
birth,  wherefore  she  named  him  Tristram,  and  how  his  stepmother 
would  have  poisoned  him  and  how  he  was  sent  into  France  .  .  .120 

How  Sir  Marhaus  came  out  of  Ireland  for  to  ask  truage  of  Cornwall,  and 

how  Sir  Tristram  enterprized  to  fight  with  him 125 

How  Sir  Tristram  fought  against  Sir  Marhaus  and  achieved  his  battle,  and 

how  Sir  Marhaus  fled  to  his  ship 128 

How  Sir  Tristram  went  to  Ireland  to  be  healed  of  the  poison  of  his  wound 
and  there  was  put  to  the  keeping  of  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  how  he  won 
the  degree  at  a  tournament  and  made  Sir  Palamides  bear  no  harness 
of  war  for  a  year 131 

How  the  queen  espied  that  Sir  Tristram  had  slain  her  brother  Sir  Marhaus 
by  his  sword,  and  in  what  jeopardy  he  was,  and  how  the  king  suffered 
him  to  return  to  Cornwall 136 

How  King  Mark  sent  Sir  Tristram  for  La  Beale  Isoud  toward  Ireland,  and 
how  by  fortune  he  arrived  into  England,  and  fought  for  King  Anguish 
against  Sir  Blamore 139 

How  Sir  Tristram  demanded  La  Beale  Isoud  for  King  Mark,  and  how  Sir 
Tristram  and  Isoud  drank  the  love  drink,  and  how  Sir  Tristram  rescued 
Isoud  from  Sir  Palamides 146 


xvi          THE  ROMANCE  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

PACK 

Of  the  debate  of  King  Mark  and  Sir  Tristram,  and  how  Sir  Tristram  smote 
down  Sir  Lamorak,  and  in  despite  of  Sir  Tristram  Sir  Lamorak  sent 
an  horn  to  King  Mark 153 

How  Sir  Tristram  was  taken  with  La  Beale  Isoud,   and  he   escaped   to 

Brittany  and  served  in  war  King  Howel 158 

How  Sir  Tristram  was  married  to  King  Howel's  daughter,  Isoud  La  Blanche 
Mains,  and  how  he  returned  to  Cornwall  and  of  the  love  of  Sir  Kehydius 
for  La  Beale  Isoud 161 

How  Sir  Tristram  departed  from  Tintagil,  and  how  he  sorrowed  and  was 
so  long  in  a  forest  till  he  was  out  of  his  mind,  and  it  was  noised  that 
he  was  dead,  and  how  La  Beale  Isoud  would  have  slain  herself  .  .163 

How  Sir  Tristram  slew  the  giant  Tauleas,  and  how  King  Mark  found  Sir 
Tristram  naked,  and  caused  him  to  be  borne  to  Tintagil,  and  how  he 
was  known  by  a  brachet  and  was  banished  from  Cornwall  for  the  term 
of  ten  years 1 66 

How  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Din  ad  an  fought  for  Sir  Launcelot  against  thirty 
knights,  and  how  Sir  Tristram  rode  to  a  tournament  and  lodged  with 
an  old  knight  named  Sir  Pellounes,  and  of  the  jousting  before  the 
tournament 170 

How  Sir  Launcelot  jousted  with  Palomides  and  overthrew  him,  and  after 

he  was  assailed  with  twelve  knights 176 

Of  the  tournament  at  the  Castle  of  Maidens,  and  of  how  Sir  Tristram,  Sir 

Palomides,  and  Sir  Launcelot  behaved  them 178 

Of  the  rage  of  Sir  Palomides  for  despite  of  Sir  Tristram,  and  how  Sir  Tris- 
tram, Sir  Dinadan,  and  Sir  Palomides  lodged  with  Sir  Darras,  and 
how  Sir  Darras  put  them  in  his  prison  for  the  death  of  his  sons,  but  at 
the  last  he  let  them  go 187 

How  Sir  Tristram  saved  Sir  Palomides1  life,  and  how  they  promised  to  fight 
together  within  a  fortnight,  and  how  they  were  both  smitten  down  by 
a  strong  knight 190 

How  Sir  Tristram  met  at  the  Peron  with  Sir  Launcelot,  and  how  they  fought 
together  unknown,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot  brought  Sir  Tristram  to 
the  court,  and  of  the  great  joy  that  the  king  and  other  made  for  the  com- 
ing of  Sir  Tristram 196 


CONTENTS  xvii 

PAGE 

How  for  the  despite  of  Sir  Tristram  King  Mark  came  with  two  knights 
into  England,  and  how  he  slew  one  of  the  knights,  and  how  he  was 
scorned  by  Sir  Lamorak  and  Sir  Dinadan 200 

How  King  Mark  slew  Sir  Amant  wrongfully  to-fore  King  Arthur,  and  Sir 

Launcelot  fetched  King  Mark  again  to  King  Arthur       ....     204 

How  King  Arthur  made  a  jousting,  and  how  Sir  Lamorak  came  in,  and 
overthrew  Sir  Gawaine,  and  how  King  Arthur  made  King  Mark  to  be 
accorded  with  Sir  Tristram  and  they  rode  together  to  Cornwall  .  .  206 

How  Sir  Percivale  was  made  Knight  of  King  Arthur,  and  how  a  dumb  maid 

spake,  and  brought  him  to  the  Round  Table 210 

How  at  a  great  feast  that  King  Mark  made  an  harper  came  and  sang  a  lay 

of  Sir  Dinadan's  against  King  Mark 212 

How  by  treason  Sir  Tristram  was  brought  to  a  tournament  for  to  have 
been  slain,  and  how  he  was  put  in  prison,  and  how  he  and  La  Beale 
Isoud  came  to  England  and  were  lodged  by  Sir  Launcelot  at  Joyous 
Card 215 

How  by  the  counsel  of  La  Beale  Isoud  Sir  Tristram  rode  armed,  and  how 
he  met  with  Sir  Palomides,  and  Sir  Breuse  Saunce  Pite  beguiled  three 
good  knights 220 

How  Sir  Tristram  met  with  Sir  Dinadan,  and  of  their  devices,  and  how  Sir 
Dinadan  was  sent  for  by  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  how  Sir  Tristram  in  jousting 
with  Sir  Palomides  was  known  by  Sir  Dinadan 225 

How  they  approached  the  Castle  Lonazep,  and  how  they  talked  of  the  death 
of  Sir  Lamorak,  and  how  on  Humber  Bank  they  found  a  ship,  wherein 
lay  the  body  of  King  Hermance 232 

How  Palomides  went  for  to  fight  with  two  brethren  for  the  death  of  King 

Hermance,  and  slew  them,  and  came  unto  Joyous  Card  .         .         .235 

Of  the  tournament  at  Lonazep,  and  how  the  prize  on  the  first  day  was  given 

to  Sir  Palomides 243 

How  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Launcelot  came  to  see  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  how 
Palomides  smote  down  King  Arthur,  and  of  the  second  day  of  the 
tournament  and  of  the  treason  of  Sir  Palomides  to  Sir  Tristram  .  .  250 

How  Sir  Tristram  departed  with  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  how  Palomides  fol- 
lowed and  excused  him,  and  how  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Launcelot  came 
unto  their  pavilions  as  they  sat  at  supper,  and  of  Sir  Palomides  .  .  259 


xviii        THE  ROMANCE  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

PACT 

How  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Palomides  did  the  third  day  of  the  tournament, 
and  how  Sir  Tristram  turned  to  King  Arthur's  side,  and  of  the  sorrow 
of  Sir  Palomides 264 

How  on  a  day  Sir  Tristram  departed  unarmed  and  met  with  Sir  Palomides, 
and  how  they  smote  each  other,  and  how  Sir  Palomides  forbare  him, 
and  how  Sir  Tristram  gat  harness  of  a  hurt  knight  and  overthrew  Sir 
Palomides  and  made  him  be  christened 268 


©f  Sir  iauncelot  atrti  Bame  Elaine 

How  Sir  Launcelot  holp  a  dolorous  lady  from  her  pain,  and  fought  with  a 

dragon,  and  of  the  begetting  of  Sir  Galahad 274 

Of  the  adventures  of  Sir  Bors  at  the  Castle  of  Corbin,  and  how  he  was  fed 

with  the  Sangreal 280 

How  Dame  Elaine,  Galahad's  mother,  came  in  great  estate  unto  Camelot, 

and  how  Sir  Launcelot  behaved  him  there 285 

How  Dame  Elaine  was  commanded  by  Queen  Guenever  to  avoid  the  court, 
and  how  Sir  Launcelot  became  mad,  and  of  the  sorrow  of  Queen 
Guenever 288 

How  Sir  Percivale  sought  for  Sir  Launcelot,  how  he  fought  with  Sir 
Ector,  and  how  they  were  both  made  whole  by  the  coming  of  the 
Sangreal 293 

Of  the  madness  of  Sir  Launcelot,  and  how  he  was  healed  by  the  Sangreal  .  297 
How  Sir  Launcelot,  after  that  he  was  whole  and  had  his  mind,  he  was 

ashamed,  and  how  he  came  to  the  Joyous  Isle 305 

Of  a  great  tourneying  in  the  Joyous  Isle,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot  fought  with 

Sir  Percivale,  and  how  they  returned  to  King  Arthur's  court  .         .     307 

How  Sir  Launcelot  with  Sir  Percivale  and  Sir  Ector  came  to  the  court,  and 

of  the  great  joy  of  him 311 

©f  Sir  ffialafjafc  antr  tfje  ©uegt  of  tfje  5?ols  ffirail 

How  at  the  vigil  of  the  feast  of  Pentecost  a  damosel  desired  Sir  Launcelot 
for  to  come  and  dub  a  knight,  and  of  the  marvellous  adventure  of  the 
sword  in  a  stone 312 


CONTENTS  xix 

PAGE 

How  Sir  Gawaine  assayed  to  draw  out  the  sword,  and  how  an  old  man 
brought  in  Galahad,  and  set  him  in  the  Siege  Perilous,  and  how  he  drew 
out  the  sword 316 

How  a  damosel  announced  to  King  Arthur  that  the  Sangreal  should  appear 
in  his  house,  and  how  King  Arthur  had  all  his  knights  together  for  to 
joust  or  they  departed,  and  how  the  Sangreal  appeared  as  they  sat  at 
supper,  and  how  all  the  knights  took  upon  them  the  quest,  and  of  the 
sorrow  of  the  king  and  queen  at  their  departing  .  .  .  .  .320 

How  Galahad  gat  him  a  shield,  and  how  they  sped  that  presumed  to  take 
down  the  said  shield,  and  how  King  Evelake  had  received  that  shield 
of  Joseph  of  Aramathie 326 

How  Sir  Galahad  destroyed  the  wicked  custom  of  the  Castle  of  Maidens,  and 

how  he  met  with  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Percivale  and  smote  them  down     330 

How  Sir  Launcelot,  half  sleeping  and  half  waking,  saw  a  sick  man  healed 
with  the  Sangreal,  and  how  a  voice  spake  to  Sir  Launcelot,  and  how 
he  was  shriven,  and  how  a  good  man  gave  him  a  hair  shirt  to  wear,  and 
how  he  was  overcome  at  a  jousting  and  at  last  came  to  a  river  .  .  335 

How  Sir  Percivale  found  King  Evelake,  and  how  he  was  rescued  from  twenty 
knights  by  Sir  Galahad,  and  how  the  fiend  disguised  as  the  lady  of  a 
ship  beguiled  him,  and  of  his  penance 342 

How  Sir  Bors  rescued  a  damosel  rather  than  his  brother  Sir  Lionel,  and  how 

thereafter  Sir  Lionel  would  fight  with  Sir  Bors,  but  Sir  Bors  would  not     347 

How  when  Sir  Bors  would  not  fight  with  him  Sir  Lionel  would  have  slain 
him,  and  how  he  slew  a  hermit  and  Sir  Colgrevance  who  would  have 
saved  Sir  Bors,  and  how  Sir  Bors  and  Sir  Lionel  were  parted  by  a  cloud  350 

How  Sir  Galahad  fought  at  a  tournament,  and  of  the  stroke  that  he  gave 
Sir  Gawaine,  and  how  he  rode  with  a  damosel  and  came  to  a  ship 
wherein  were  Sir  Bors  and  Sir  Percivale 355 

How  Sir  Galahad,  Sir  Bors,  and  Sir  Percivale  entered  into  the  ship,  and  of 
a  fair  bed  therein,  and  of  a  sword,  and  of  how  King  Pelles  had  been 
maimed  for  drawing  it 358 

How  Sir  Galahad  gripped  the  sword,  and  of  the  custom  of  a  castle,  and 
how  Sir  Percivale' s  sister  bled  a  dish  full  of  blood  for  to  heal  a  lady, 
wherefore  she  died ;  and  how  that  her  body  was  put  in  a  ship  .  .  360 


XX 


THE  ROMANCE  OF  KING  ARTHUR 


PACK 

How  Sir  Launcelot  entered  into  the  ship  where  Sir  Percivale's  sister  lay 
dead,  and  how  he  came  to  a  castle  and  was  before  the  door  of  a  chamber 
wherein  was  the  Sangreal 364 

How  after  that  Sir  Launcelot  had  lain  four-and-twenty  days  and  nights  as 
a  dead  man,  it  was  told  him  that  he  had  achieved  all  he  might  of  the 
quest  of  the  Sangreal,  and  he  returned  to  King  Arthur's  court  .  .  367 

How  Galahad  came  to  King  Mordrains,  and  how  Sir  Percivale  and  Sir  Bors 

met  with  him,  and  how  they  came  to  the  castle  of  Carbonek  .         .     370 

How  Galahad  and  his  fellows  were  fed  of  the  Holy  Sangreal,  and  how  our 
Lord  appeared  to  them,  and  how  Galahad  anointed  the  maimed  king, 
and  how  they  departed  and  took  ship  and  came  to  the  city  of  Sarras, 
and  found  there  the  ship  with  the  body  of  Percivale's  sister  .  .  -373 

How  they  buried  Percivale's  sister  and  were  put  in  prison  by  the  king  of 
the  city,  and  how  they  were  fed  with  the  Sangreal  and  how  Galahad 
was  made  king,  and  how  Galahad  and  Percivale  died  .  .  .  •  377 


©f  ILauncelot,  ffiueneber,  anfc  iting  &rtf)ur 

How  Launcelot  fell  to  his  old  love  again,  but  withdrew  him  from  Guenever 
to  eschew  slander,  and  how  the  queen  commanded  him  to  avoid  the 
court 382 

How  at  a  dinner  that  the  queen  made  there  was  a  knight  enpoisoned,  which 
Sir  Mador  laid  on  the  queen,  and  appeached  her  for  it  and  how  Sir  Bors 
took  on  him  to  fight  for  the  queen  upon  condition 385 

How  at  the  day  Sir  Bors  made  him  ready  for  to  fight  for  the  queen,  but  Sir 
Launcelot  discharged  him,  and  overcame  Sir  Mador,  and  how  the  truth 
was  known  by  the  damosel  of  the  lake 391 

How  King  Arthur  let  cry  a  tournament  at  Camelot  or  Winchester,  and 
how  Sir  Launcelot,  riding  thither,  lodged  at  Astolat,  and  received  a 
sleeve  to  wear  on  his  helm  at  request  of  a  maid 395 

Of  the  tourney  at  Winchester,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot  was  sore  wounded        .     399 

How  Sir  Launcelot  was  brought  to  an  hermit  for  to  be  healed,  and  how  it 
became  known  that  it  was  he  that  bare  the  red  sleeve,  and  of  the  anger 
of  the  queen 4°4 


CONTENTS  xxi 

PAGE 

How  the  maiden  Elaine  did  attendance  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  and  of  her 
lamentation  that  he  should  depart,  and  how  she  died  for  his  love,  and 
how  her  body  was  brought  to  the  court  and  of  her  burying  .  .  .  409 

How  Sir  Launcelot  went  to  repose  him  at  a  hermitage,  and  how  he  was  hurt 

of  a  gentlewoman,  and  of  a  great  tourney  ordained  by  King  Arthur  .  416 

Of  the  month  of  May  and  of  true  lovers,  and  how  Queen  Guenever  rode 
a-Maying  with  certain  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  and  clad  all  in  green, 
and  how  Sir  Meliagrance  took  the  queen  and  her  knights  .  .  .  424 

How  Sir  Launcelot  had  word  how  the  queen  was  taken,  and  how  Sir  Melia- 
grance laid  a  bushment  for  Launcelot,  so  that  his  horse  was  slain,  and 
he  rode  in  a  cart  to  save  the  queen 429 

How  Sir  Meliagrance  required  forgiveness  of  the  queen,  and  how  she  ap- 
peased Sir  Launcelot,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot  came  in  the  night  to  the 
queen,  and  how  Sir  Meliagrance  appeached  her  of  treason  .  .  .  433 

How  Sir  Launcelot  answered  for  the  queen,  to  wage  battle  against  Sir  Melia- 
grance; and  how  Sir  Launcelot  was  taken  in  a  trap,  but  was  delivered 
of  a  lady,  and  how  he  fought  with  Sir  Meliagrance,  half  unarmed,  and 
slew  him 438 

How  Sir  Urre  came  into  Arthur's  court  for  to  be  healed  of  his  wounds  by 

the  best  knight  of  the  world,  and  how  he  was  healed  by  Sir  Launcelot    445 

How  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred  were  busy  upon  Sir  Gawaine  for  to 

disclose  the  love  between  Sir  Launcelot  and  Queen  Guenever          .         .     450 

How  Sir  Launcelot  was  espied  in  the  queen's  chamber,  and  how  Sir  Agra- 
vaine and  Sir  Mordred  came  with  twelve  knights  to  slay  him  .  .  454 

Of  the  counsel  and  advice  that  was  taken  by  Sir  Launcelot  and  his  friends  for 

to  save  the  queen 458 

How  Sir  Launcelot  and  his  kinsmen  rescued  the  queen  from  the  fire,  and 

how  he  slew  many  knights,  and  of  the  sorrow  of  King  Arthur         .         .     463 

How  King  Arthur  at  the  request  of  Sir  Gawaine  concluded  to  make  war 

against  Sir  Launcelot,  and  laid  siege  to  his  castle  called  Joyous  Card      .     468 

How  the  Pope  sent  down  his  bulls  to  make  peace,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot 

brought  the  queen  to  King  Arthur 477 

How  Sir  Launcelot  departed  from  the  King  and  from  Joyous  Card  over 
seaward,  and  how  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Gawaine  with  a  great  host  made 
war  on  Sir  Launcelot 481 


xxii         THE  ROMANCE  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

PACK 

How  Sir  Mordred  took  on  him  to  be  king  of  England,  and  how  King  Arthur 
returned  to  Dover,  and  of  the  battle  there,  and  how  Sir  Gawaine  was 
slain 486 

How  Sir  Gawaine's  ghost  appeared  to  King  Arthur,  and  warned  him  not 
to  fight  on  the  day  assigned,  and  how  by  misadventure  of  an  adder  a 
battle  began,  where  Mordred  was  slain  and  Arthur  hurt  to  the  death  490 

How  King  Arthur  commanded  to  cast  his  sword  Excalibur  into  the  water, 
and  how  he  was  delivered  to  ladies  in  a  barge,  and  as  to  the  death  of 
King  Arthur,  and  how  Queen  Guenever  made  her  a  nun  .  .  .493 

How  when  Sir  Launcelot  heard  of  the  death  of  King  Arthur,  he  came  to 
England,  and  found  Queen  Guenever  at  Almesbury,  and  how  Sir 
Launcelot  took  the  habit  on  him  as  a  hermit 498 

How  Sir  Launcelot  went  with  his  eight  fellows  to  Almesbury,  and  found 
there  Queen  Guenever  dead,  whom  they  brought  to  Glastonbury,  and 
how  Sir  Launcelot  sickened  and  died,  and  was  borne  to  Joyous  Card 
for  to  be  buried,  and  how  Constantine  reigned  next  after  Arthur,  and 
of  the  end  of  this  book 503 

GLOSSARY «"3    •       •    511 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

IN  COLOUR 

IACE  PAGE 

How  Arthur  drew  his  sword  Excalibur  for  the  first  time  (page  14)      .   Frontispiece 

Merlin  and  Nimue.  How  by  her  subtle  working  she  made  Merlin  to  go 
under  the  stone  to  let  her  wit  of  the  marvels  there :  and  she  wrought 
so  there  for  him  that  he  came  never  out  for  all  the  craft  he  could  do  .  30 

How  Sir  Launcelot  slew  the  knight  Sir  Peris  de  Forest  Savage   that   did 

distress  ladies,  damosels,  and  gentlewomen 64 

How  Beaumains  defeated  the  Red  Knight,  and  always  the  damosel  spake 

many  foul  words  unto  him 90 

How  Dame  Lionesse  came  forth  arrayed  like  a  princess          .        .        .        .104 
How  Tristram  and  Isoud  drank  the  love  drink 146 

How  Tristram  was  known  by  the  little  brachet  in  the  garden  of  King 

Mark's  castle 168 

How  at  a  great  feast  that  King  Mark  made  came  Eliot  the  harper  and  sang 

the  lay  that  Dinadan  had  made 214 

The  Questing  Beast 220 

How  Sir  Launcelot  fought  with  a  fiendly  dragon 276 

How  at  the  Castle  of  Corbin  a  maiden  bare  in  the  Sangreal  and  foretold  the 

achievements  of  Galahad 280 

How  Galahad  drew  out  the  sword  from  the  floating  stone  at  Camelot    .        .318 

How  King  Arthur  and  Queen  Guenever  went  to  see  the  barge  that  bore 

the  corpse  of  Elaine  the  Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat 410 

XXlll 


xxiv       THE  ROMANCE  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

FACE  PACK 

How  Sir  Launcelot  was  shot  by  a  gentlewoman  hunting         ....    416 

How  Queen   Guenever  rode  a-Maying  into  the  woods   and   fields   beside 

Westminster 424 

How  Mordred  was  slain  by  Arthur  and  how  by  him  Arthur  was  hurt  to  the 

death 492 

IN  BLACK  AND  WHITE 

So  the  child  was  delivered  to  Merlin 6 

How  Queen  Morgan  le  Fay  stole  away  the  scabbard  from  Arthur          .        .       45 

When  she  saw  she  must  be  overtaken,  she  shaped  herself,  horse  and  man,  by 

enchantment  unto  a  great  marble  stone 46 

Sir  Beaumains  espied  upon  great  trees  how  there  hung  full  goodly  armed 

knights  by  the  neck 99 

Dagonet,  King  Arthur's  Fool 164 

They  saw  on  the  other  side  a  lady  with  a  sperhawk  on  her  hand    .         .        .     309 

Sir  Mordred  went  and  laid  a  mighty  siege  about  the  Tower  of  London,  and 

shot  great  guns 487 


THE    ROMANCE    OF    KING    ARTHUR    AND 
HIS    KNIGHTS    OF    THE    ROUND    TABLE 


OF    KING    ARTHUR 


OF  THE   BIRTH  OF   KING  ARTHUR  AND  OF 
HIS  NURTURE.     It  befell  in  the  days  of  Uther 
Pendragon,  when  he  was  king  of  all  England,  and  so 
reigned,  that  there  was  a  mighty  duke  in  Cornwall  that  held 
war  against  him  long  time.     And  the  duke  was  called  the  Duke 
of  Tintagil.     And  so  by  means  King  Uther  sent  for  this  duke, 
charging  him  to  bring  his  wife  with  him,  for  she  was  called  a 
fair  lady,  and  a  passing  wise,  and  her  name  was  called  Igraine. 
So  when  the  duke  and  his  wife  were  come  unto  the 
king,  by  the  means  of  great  lords  they  were  accorded  both. 
The  king  liked  and  loved  this  lady  well,  and  he  made  them 
great  cheer  out  of  measure,  and  desired  to  have  had  her  love. 
But  she  was  a  passing  good  woman,  and  would  not  assent 
unto  the  king.     And  then  she  told  the  duke  her  husband, 
and  said,  I  suppose  that  we  were  sent  for  that  I  should  be 


2  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

dishonoured ;  wherefore,  husband,  I  counsel  you,  that  we 
depart  from  hence  suddenly,  that  we  may  ride  all  night 
unto  our  own  castle.  And  in  like  wise  as  she  said  so  they 
departed,  that  neither  the  king  nor  none  of  his  council  were 
ware  of  their  departing.  All  so  soon  as  King  Uther  knew 
of  their  departing  so  suddenly,  he  was  wonderly  wroth. 
Then  he  called  to  him  his  privy  council,  and  told  them  of 
the  sudden  departing  of  the  duke  and  his  wife. 

Then  they  advised  the  king  to  send  for  the  duke  and 
his  wife  by  a  great  charge ;  and  if  he  will  not  come  at  your 
summons,  then  may  ye  do  your  best,  then  have  ye  cause 
to  make  mighty  war  upon  him.  So  that  was  done,  and 
the  messengers  had  their  answers ;  and  that  was  this  shortly, 
that  neither  he  nor  his  wife  would  not  come  at  him. 

Then  was  the  king  wonderly  wroth.  And  then  the 
king  sent  him  plain  word  again,  and  bade  him  be  ready 
and  stuff  him  and  garnish  him,  for  within  forty  days  he 
would  fetch  him  out  of  the  biggest  castle  that  he  hath. 

When  the  duke  had  this  warning,  anon  he  went  and 
furnished  and  garnished  two  strong  castles  of  his,  of  the 
which  the  one  hight  Tintagil,  and  the  other  castle  hight 
Terrabil.  So  his  wife  Dame  Igraine  he  put  in  the  castle 
of  Tintagil,  and  himself  he  put  in  the  castle  of  Terrabil, 
the  which  had  many  issues  and  posterns  out.  Then  in  all 
haste  came  Uther  with  a  great  host,  and  laid  a  siege  about 
the  castle  of  Terrabil.  Then  for  pure  anger  and  for  great 
love  of  fair  Igraine  the  king  Uther  fell  sick.  So  came  to 
the  king  Uther  Sir  Ulfius,  a  noble  knight,  and  asked  the 
king  why  he  was  sick.  I  shall  tell  thee,  said  the  king,  I  am 
sick  for  anger  and  for  love  of  fair  Igraine,  that  I  may  not 
be  whole.  Well,  my  lord,  said  Sir  Ulfius,  I  shall  seek 


HOW  UTHER  PENDRAGON  MADE  WAR    3 

Merlin,  and  he  shall  do  you  remedy,  that  your  heart  shall 
be  pleased.  So  Ulfius  departed,  and  by  adventure  he  met 
Merlin  in  a  beggar's  array,  and  there  Merlin  asked  Ulfius 
whom  he  sought.  And  he  said  he  had  little  ado  to  tell 
him.  Well,  said  Merlin,  I  know  whom  thou  seekest,  for 
thou  seekest  Merlin ;  therefore  seek  no  farther,  for  I  am 
he ;  and  if  King  Uther  will  well  reward  me,  and  be  sworn 
unto  me  to  fulfil  my  desire,  that  shall  be  his  honour  and 
profit  more  than  mine ;  for  I  shall  cause  him  to  have  all  his 
desire.  All  this  will  I  undertake,  said  Ulfius,  that  there  shall 
be  nothing  reasonable  but  thou  shalt  have  thy  desire.  Well, 
said  Merlin,  he  shall  have  his  intent  and  desire.  And  therefore, 
said  Merlin,  ride  on  your  way,  for  I  will  not  be  long  behind. 
Then  Ulfius  was  glad,  and  rode  on  more  than  a  pace  till 
that  he  came  to  King  Uther  Pendragon,  and  told  him  he 
had  met  with  Merlin.  Where  is  he  ?  said  the  king.  Sir, 
said  Ulfius,  he  will  not  dwell  long.  Therewithal  Ulfius 
was  ware  where  Merlin  stood  at  the  porch  of  the  pavilion's 
door.  And  then  Merlin  was  bound  to  come  to  the  king. 
When  King  Uther  saw  him,  he  said  he  was  welcome.  Sir, 
said  Merlin,  I  know  all  your  heart  every  deal ;  so  ye  will 
be  sworn  unto  me,  as  ye  be  a  true  king  anointed,  to  fulfil 
my  desire,  ye  shall  have  your  desire.  Then  the  king  was 
sworn  upon  the  Four  Evangelists.  Sir,  said  Merlin,  this 
is  my  desire :  after  that  ye  shall  win  Igraine  ye  shall  have 
a  child  by  her,  and  when  that  is  born,  that  it  shall  be 
delivered  to  me  for  to  nourish  there  as  I  will  have  it ;  for 
it  shall  be  your  worship,  and  the  child's  avail,  as  mickle 
as  the  child  is  worth.  I  will  well,  said  the  king,  as  thou 
wilt  have  it.  Now  make  you  ready,  said  Merlin,  this 
night  ye  shall  be  with  Igraine  in  the  castle  of  Tintagil ; 


4  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

and  ye  shall  be  like  the  duke  her  husband,  Ulfius  shall  be 
like  Sir  Brastias,  a  knight  of  the  duke's,  and  I  will  be  like 
a  knight  that  hight  Sir  Jordanus,  a  knight  of  the  duke's. 
But  wait  ye  make  not  many  questions  with  her  nor  her 
men,  but  say  ye  are  diseased,  and  so  hie  you  to  bed,  and 
rise  not  on  the  morn  till  I  come  to  you,  for  the  castle  of 
Tintagil  is  but  ten  miles  hence ;  so  this  was  done  as  they 
devised.  But  the  duke  of  Tintagil  espied  how  the  king 
rode  from  the  siege  of  Terrabil,  and  therefore  that  night  he 
issued  out  of  the  castle  at  a  postern,  for  to  have  distressed  the 
king's  host.  And  so,  through  his  own  issue,  the  duke  himself 
was  slain  or  ever  the  king  came  at  the  castle  of  Tintagil. 

So  after  the  death  of  the  duke,  King  Uther  came  to 
the  castle  more  than  three  hours  after  his  death,  and  there 
he  found  Igraine,  and  before  day  came  Merlin  to  the 
king,  and  bade  him  make  him  ready,  and  so  he  kissed  the 
lady  Igraine  and  departed  in  all  haste.  But  when  the  lady 
heard  tell  of  the  duke  her  husband,  and  by  all  record  he 
was  dead  or  ever  King  Uther  came  to  her,  then  she  mar- 
velled who  that  might  be  that  came  to  her  in  likeness  of 
her  lord ;  so  she  mourned  privily  and  held  her  peace. 
Then  all  the  barons  by  one  assent  prayed  the  king  of  accord 
betwixt  the  lady  Igraine  and  him ;  the  king  gave  them 
leave,  for  fain  would  he  have  been  accorded  with  her.  So 
the  king  put  all  the  trust  in  Ulfius  to  entreat  between  them, 
so  by  the  entreaty  at  the  last  the  king  and  she  met  together. 
Now  will  we  do  well,  said  Ulfius,  our  king  is  a  lusty  knight 
and  wifeless,  and  my  lady  Igraine  is  a  passing  fair  lady; 
it  were  great  joy  unto  us  all,  an  it  might  please  the  king  to 
make  her  his  queen.  Unto  that  they  all  well  accorded 
and  moved  it  to  the  king.  And  anon,  like  a  lusty  knight, 


OF  THE  BIRTH  OF  KING  ARTHUR  5 

he  assented  thereto  with  good  will,  and  so  in  all  haste  they 
were  married  in  a  morning  with  great  mirth  and  joy. 

And  King  Lot  of  Lothian  and  of  Orkney  then  wedded 
Margawse  that  was  Gawaine's  mother,  and  King  Nentres 
of  the  land  of  Garlot  wedded  Elaine.  All  this  was  done 
at  the  request  of  King  Uther.  And  the  third  sister  Morgan 
le  Fay  was  put  to  school  in  a  nunnery,  and  there  she  learned 
so  much  that  she  was  a  great  clerk  of  necromancy.  And 
after  she  was  wedded  to  King  Uriens  of  the  land  of  Gore. 

Then  the  time  came  that  Queen  Igraine  should  bear  a 
child.  So  it  befell  after  within  half  a  year,  as  King  Uther  was 
with  his  queen,  he  asked  her,  by  the  faith  she  owed  to  him, 
whose  was  the  child  that  should  be  born ;  then  was  she  sore 
abashed  to  give  answer.  Dismay  you  not,  said  the  king,  but 
tell  me  the  truth,  and  I  shall  love  you  the  better,  by  the  faith 
of  my  body.  Sir,  said  she,  I  shall  tell  you  the  truth.  The 
same  night  that  my  lord  was  dead,  the  hour  of  his  death,  as 
his  knights  record,  there  came  into  my  castle  of  Tintagil  a 
man  like  my  lord  in  speech  and  in  countenance,  and  two 
knights  with  him  in  likeness  of  his  two  knights  Brastias 
and  Jordanus,  and  so  I  welcomed  him  as  I  ought  to  welcome 
my  lord,  and  the  same  night,  as  I  shall  answer  unto  God, 
this  child  was  begotten.  That  is  truth,  said  the  king,  as  ye 
say ;  for  it  was  I  myself  that  came  in  the  likeness,  and 
therefore  dismay  you  not,  for  I  am  father  of  the  child ;  and 
there  he  told  her  all  the  cause,  how  it  was  by  Merlin's  counsel. 
Then  the  queen  made  great  joy  when  she  knew  who  was 
the  father  of  her  child. 

Soon  came  Merlin  unto  the  king,  and  said,  Sir,  ye  must 
purvey  you  for  the  nourishing  of  your  child.  As  thou 
wilt,  said  the  king,  be  it.  Well,  said  Merlin,  I  know  a 


6  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

lord  of  yours  in  this  land,  that  is  a  passing  true  man  and  a 
faithful,  and  he  shall  have  the  nourishing  of  your  child, 
and  his  name  is  Sir  Ector,  and  he  is  a  lord  of  fair  livelihood 
in  many  parts  in  England  and  Wales ;  and  this  lord,  Sir 
Ector,  let  him  be  sent  for,  for  to  come  and  speak  with  you, 
and  desire  him  yourself,  as  he  loveth  you,  that  he  will  put 
his  own  child  to  nourishing  to  another  woman,  and  that 
his  wife  nourish  yours.  And  when  the  child  is  born  let  it 
be  delivered  to  me  at  yonder  privy  postern  unchristened. 
So  like  as  Merlin  devised  it  was  done.  And  when  Sir 
Ector  was  come  he  made  fiaunce  to  the  king  for  to  nourish 
the  child  like  as  the  king  desired ;  and  there  the  king 
granted  Sir  Ector  great  rewards.  Then  when  the  lady 
was  delivered,  the  king  commanded  two  knights  and  two 
ladies  to  take  the  child,  bound  in  a  cloth  of  gold,  and  that 
ye  deliver  him  to  what  poor  man  ye  meet  at  the  postern 
gate  of  the  castle.  So  the  child  was  delivered  unto  Merlin, 
and  so  he  bare  it  forth  unto  Sir  Ector,  and  made  an  holy 
man  to  christen  him,  and  named  him  Arthur;  and  so  Sir 
Ector's  wife  nourished  him  with  her  own  breast. 

OF  THE  DEATH  OF  KING  UTHER 
PENDRAGON,  AND  HOW  ARTHUR 
WAS  CHOSEN  KING.  Then  within 
two  years  King  Uther  fell  sick  of  a 
great  malady.  And  in  the  meanwhile  his 
enemies  usurped  upon  him,  and  did  a 
great  battle  upon  his  men,  and  slew  many 
of  his  people.  Sir,  said  Merlin,  ye  may 
not  lie  so  as  ye  do,  for  ye  must  to  the  field 
though  ye  ride  on  an  horse-litter :  for  ye 


HOW  ARTHUR  WAS   CHOSEN   KING  7 

shall  never  have  the  better  of  your  enemies  but  if  your  person 
be  there,  and  then  shall  ye  have  the  victory.  So  it  was  done 
as  Merlin  had  devised,  and  they  carried  the  king  forth  in  an 
horse-litter  with  a  great  host  towards  his  enemies.  And  at 
St.  Albans  there  met  with  the  king  a  great  host  of  the  North. 
And  that  day  Sir  Ulfius  and  Sir  Brastias  did  great  deeds  of 
arms,  and  King  Uther' s  men  overcame  the  Northern  battle 
and  slew  many  people,  and  put  the  remnant  to  flight.  And 
then  the  king  returned  unto  London,  and  made  great  joy 
of  his  victory.  And  then  he  fell  passing  sore  sick,  so  that 
three  days  and  three  nights  he  was  speechless :  wherefore 
all  the  barons  made  great  sorrow,  and  asked  Merlin  what 
counsel  were  best.  There  is  none  other  remedy,  said  Merlin, 
but  God  will  have  his  will.  But  look  ye  all  barons  be  before 
King  Uther  to-morn,  and  God  and  I  shall  make  him  to 
speak.  So  on  the  morn  all  the  barons  with  Merlin  came 
to-fore  the  king ;  then  Merlin  said  aloud  unto  King  Uther, 
Sir,  shall  your  son  Arthur  be  king  after  your  days,  of  this 
realm  with  all  the  appurtenance  ?  Then  Uther  Pendragon 
turned  him,  and  said  in  hearing  of  them  all,  I  give  him  God's 
blessing  and  mine,  and  bid  him  pray  for  my  soul,  and 
righteously  and  worshipfully  that  he  claim  the  crown,  upon 
forfeiture  of  my  blessing ;  and  therewith  he  yielded  up 
the  ghost,  and  then  was  he  interred  as  longed  to  a  king. 
Wherefore  the  queen,  fair  Igraine,  made  great  sorrow,  and 
all  the  barons. 

Then  stood  the  realm  in  great  jeopardy  long  while,  for 
every  lord  that  was  mighty  of  men  made  him  strong,  and 
many  weened  to  have  been  king.  Then  Merlin  went  to 
the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  counselled  him  for  to 
send  for  all  the  lords  of  the  realm,  and  all  the  gentlemen 


8  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

of  arms,  that  they  should  to  London  come  by  Christmas, 
upon  pain  of  cursing;  and  for  this  cause,  that  Jesus,  that 
was  born  on  that  night,  that  he  would  of  his  great  mercy, 
as  he  was  come  to  be  king  of  mankind,  show  some  miracle 
who  should  be  rightwise  king  of  this  realm.  So  the  Arch- 
bishop, by  the  advice  of  Merlin,  sent  for  all  the  Lords  and 
gentlemen  of  arms  that  they  should  come  by  Christmas 
even  unto  London.  And  many  of  them  made  them  clean 
of  their  life,  that  their  prayer  might  be  the  more  acceptable 
unto  God.  So  in  the  greatest  church  of  London,  whether 
it  were  Paul's  or  not  the  French  book  maketh  no  mention, 
all  the  estates  were  long  ere  day  in  the  church  for  to  pray. 
And  when  matins  and  the  first  mass  was  done,  there  was 
seen  in  the  churchyard,  against  the  high  altar,  a  great  stone 
four  square,  like  unto  a  marble  stone ;  and  in  midst  thereof 
was  like  an  anvil  of  steel  a  foot  on  high,  and  therein  stuck 
a  fair  sword  naked  by  the  point,  and  letters  there  were 
written  in  gold  about  the  sword  that  said  thus :  —  Whoso 
pulleth  out  this  sword  of  this  stone  and  anvil,  is  rightwise 
king  born  of  all  England.  Then  the  people  marvelled, 
and  told  it  to  the  Archbishop.  I  command,  said  the  Arch- 
bishop, that  ye  keep  you  within  your  church  and  pray  unto 
God  still,  that  no  man  touch  the  sword  till  the  high  mass 
be  all  done.  So  when  all  masses  were  done  all  the  lords 
went  to  behold  the  stone  and  the  sword.  And  when  they 
saw  the  scripture  some  assayed,  such  as  would  have  been 
king.  But  none  might  stir  the  sword  nor  move  it.  He  is 
not  here,  said  the  Archbishop,  that  shall  achieve  the  sword, 
but  doubt  not  God  will  make  him  known.  But  this  is 
my  counsel,  said  the  Archbishop,  that  we  let  purvey  ten 
knights,  men  of  good  fame,  and  they  to  keep  this  sword. 


HOW  HE  PULLED  OUT  THE  SWORD     9 

So  it  was  ordained,  and  then  there  was  made  a  cry,  that 
every  man  should  assay  that  would,  for  to  win  the  sword. 
And  upon  New  Year's  Day  the  barons  let  make  a  jousts 
and  a  tournament,  that  all  knights  that  would  joust  or 
tourney  there  might  play,  and  all  this  was  ordained  for  to 
keep  the  lords  together  and  the  commons,  for  the  Arch- 
bishop trusted  that  God  would  make  him  known  that 
should  win  the  sword. 

So  upon  New  Year's  Day,  when  the  service  was  done, 
the  barons  rode  unto  the  field,  some  to  joust  and  some  to 
tourney,  and  so  it  happed  that  Sir  Ector,  that  had  great 
livelihood  about  London,  rode  unto  the  jousts,  and  with 
him  rode  Sir  Kay  his  son,  and  young  Arthur  that  was  his 
nourished  brother ;  and  Sir  Kay  was  made  knight  at  All 
Hallowmas  afore.  So  as  they  rode  to  the  jousts-ward,  Sir 
Kay  lost  his  sword,  for  he  had  left  it  at  his  father's  lodging, 
and  so  he  prayed  young  Arthur  for  to  ride  for  his  sword. 
I  will  well,  said  Arthur,  and  rode  fast  after  the  sword,  and 
when  he  came  home,  the  lady  and  all  were  out  to  see  the 
jousting.  Then  was  Arthur  wroth,  and  said  to  himself, 
I  will  ride  to  the  churchyard,  and  take  the  sword  with  me 
that  sticketh  in  the  stone,  for  my  brother  Sir  Kay  shall 
not  be  without  a  sword  this  day.  So  when  he  came  to 
the  churchyard,  Sir  Arthur  alighted  and  tied  his  horse  to 
the  stile,  and  so  he  went  to  the  tent,  and  found  no  knights 
there,  for  they  were  at  the  jousting.  And  so  he  handled 
the  sword  by  the  handles,  and  lightly  and  fiercely  pulled 
it  out  of  the  stone,  and  took  his  horse  and  rode  his  way 
until  he  came  to  his  brother  Sir  Kay,  and  delivered  him 
the  sword.  And  as  soon  as  Sir  Kay  saw  the  sword,  he  wist 
well  it  was  the  sword  of  the  stone,  and  so  he  rode  to  his 


io  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

father  Sir  Ector,  and  said :  Sir,  lo  here  is  the  sword  of  the 
stone,  wherefore  I  must  be  king  of  this  land.  When  Sir 
Ector  beheld  the  sword,  he  returned  again  and  came  to  the 
church,  and  there  they  alighted  all  three,  and  went  into 
the  church.  And  anon  he  made  Sir  Kay  swear  upon  a 
book  how  he  came  to  that  sword.  Sir,  said  Sir  Kay,  by 
my  brother  Arthur,  for  he  brought  it  to  me.  How  gat 
ye  this  sword  ?  said  Sir  Ector  to  Arthur.  Sir,  I  will  tell 
you.  When  I  came  home  for  my  brother's  sword,  I  found 
nobody  at  home  to  deliver  me  his  sword ;  and  so  I  thought 
my  brother  Sir  Kay  should  not  be  swordless,  and  so  I  came 
hither  eagerly  and  pulled  it  out  of  the  stone  without  any 
pain.  Found  ye  any  knights  about  this  sword  ?  said  Sir 
Ector.  Nay,  said  Arthur.  Now,  said  Sir  Ector  to  Arthur, 
I  understand  ye  must  be  king  of  this  land.  Wherefore  I, 
said  Arthur,  and  for  what  cause  ?  Sir,  said  Ector,  for 
God  will  have  it  so ;  for  there  should  never  man  have 
drawn  out  this  sword,  but  he  that  shall  be  rightwise  king 
of  this  land.  Now  let  me  see  whether  ye  can  put  the  sword 
there  as  it  was,  and  pull  it  out  again.  That  is  no  mastery, 
said  Arthur,  and  so  he  put  it  in  the  stone ;  wherewithal 
Sir  Ector  assayed  to  pull  out  the  sword  and  failed. 

Now  assay,  said  Sir  Ector  unto  Sir  Kay.  And  anon 
he  pulled  at  the  sword  with  all  his  might ;  but  it  would  not 
be.  Now  shall  ye  assay,  said  Sir  Ector  to  Arthur.  I 
will  well,  said  Arthur,  and  pulled  it  out  easily.  And  there- 
withal Sir  Ector  knelt  down  to  the  earth,  and  Sir  Kay. 
Alas,  said  Arthur,  my  own  dear  father  and  brother,  why 
kneel  ye  to  me  ?  Nay,  nay,  my  lord  Arthur,  it  is  not  so ; 
I  was  never  your  father  nor  of  your  blood,  but  I  wot  well 
ye  are  of  an  higher  blood  than  I  weened  ye  were.  And 


HOW  HE  PULLED  OUT  THE  SWORD    n 

then  Sir  Ector  told  him  all,  how  he  was  betaken  him  for 
to  nourish  him,  and  by  whose  commandment,  and  by 
Merlin's  deliverance. 

Then  Arthur  made  great  dole  when  he  understood 
that  Sir  Ector  was  not  his  father.  Therewithal  they  went 
unto  the  Archbishop,  and  told  him  how  the  sword  was 
achieved,  and  by  whom ;  and  on  Twelfth-day  all  the  barons 
came  thither,  and  to  assay  to  take  the  sword,  who  that  would 
assay.  But  there  afore  them  all,  there  might  none  take  it 
out  but  Arthur ;  wherefore  there  were  many  lords  wroth, 
and  said  it  was  great  shame  unto  them  all  and  the  realm, 
to  be  over  governed  with  a  boy  of  no  high  blood  born.  And 
so  they  fell  out  at  that  time  that  it  was  put  off  till  Candlemas, 
and  then  all  the  barons  should  meet  there  again ;  but 
always  the  ten  knights  were  ordained  to  watch  the  sword 
day  and  night,  and  so  they  set  a  pavilion  over  the  stone 
and  the  sword,  and  five  always  watched.  So  at  Candlemas 
many  more  great  lords  came  thither  for  to  have  won  the 
sword,  but  there  might  none  prevail.  And  right  as  Arthur 
did  at  Christmas,  he  did  at  Candlemas,  and  pulled  out  the 
sword  easily,  whereof  the  barons  were  sore  aggrieved  and 
put  it  off  in  delay  till  the  high  feast  of  Easter.  And  as 
Arthur  sped  before,  so  did  he  at  Easter;  yet  there  were 
some  of  the  great  lords  had  indignation  that  Arthur  should 
be  king,  and  put  it  off  in  a  delay  till  the  feast  of  Pentecost. 


12  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

HOW  KING  ARTHUR  WAS 
CROWNED,  AND  HOW  HE  MADE 
OFFICERS  AND  HELD  A  GREAT 
FEAST,  &  OF  THE  WAR  THAT  HE 
HAD,  AND  HOW  HE  HELD  THE 
FIELD.  And  at  the  feast  of  Pentecost  all 
manner  of  men  assayed  to  pull  at  the  sword 
that  would  assay ;  but  none  might  prevail 
but  Arthur,  and  pulled  it  out  afore  all  the 
lords  and  commons  that  were  there,  where- 
fore all  the  commons  cried  at  once,  We  will 
have  Arthur  unto  our  king,  we  will  put  him 
no  more  in  delay,  for  we  all  see  that  it  is  God's  will  that  he  shall 
be  our  king,  and  who  that  holdeth  against  it,  we  will  slay  him. 
And  therewithal  they  kneeled  at  once,  both  rich  and  poor, 
and  cried  Arthur  mercy  because  they  had  delayed  him  so 
long,  and  Arthur  forgave  them,  and  took  the  sword  between 
both  his  hands,  and  offered  it  upon  the  altar  where  the  Arch- 
bishop was,  and  so  was  he  made  knight  of  the  best  man 
that  was  there.  And  so  anon  was  the  coronation  made. 
And  there  was  he  sworn  unto  his  lords  and  the  commons 
for  to  be  a  true  king,  to  stand  with  true  justice  from 
thenceforth  the  days  of  this  life. 

When  this  was  done,  that  the  king  had  stablished  all 
the  countries  about  London,  then  he  let  make  Sir  Kay 
seneschal  of  England ;  and  Sir  Baudwin  of  Britain  was 
made  constable ;  and  Sir  Ulfius  was  made  chamberlain ; 
and  Sir  Brastias  was  made  warden  to  wait  upon  the  north 
from  Trent  forwards,  for  it  was  that  time  the  most  party 
the  king's  enemies.  But  within  few  years  after  Arthur 
won  all  the  north,  Scotland,  and  all  that  were  under  their 


HOW   KING  ARTHUR  HELD   FEAST  13 

obeissance.  Also  Wales,  a  part  of  it,  held  against  Arthur, 
but  he  overcame  them  all,  as  he  did  the  remnant,  through 
the  noble  prowess  of  himself  and  his  knights  of  the  Round 
Table. 

Then  the  king  removed  into  Wales,  and  let  cry  a  great 
feast  that  it  should  be  holden  at  Pentecost  after  the  incoro- 
nation  of  him  at  the  city  of  Carlion.  Unto  the  feast  came 
King  Lot  of  Lothian  and  of  Orkney,  with  five  hundred 
knights  with  him.  Also  there  came  to  the  feast  King 
Uriens  of  Gore  with  four  hundred  knights  with  him.  Also 
there  came  to  that  feast  King  Nentres  of  Garlot,  with  seven 
hundred  knights  with  him.  Also  there  came  to  the  feast 
the  king  of  Scotland  with  six  hundred  knights  with  him, 
and  he  was  but  a  young  man.  Also  there  came  to  the  feast 
a  king  that  was  called  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights, 
but  he  and  his  men  were  passing  well  beseen  at  all  points. 
Also  there  came  the  king  of  Carados  with  five  hundred 
knights.  And  King  Arthur  was  glad  of  their  coming,  for 
he  weened  that  all  the  kings  and  knights  had  come  for  great 
love,  and  to  have  done  him  worship  at  his  feast ;  wherefore 
the  king  made  great  joy,  and  sent  the  kings  and  knights 
great  presents.  But  the  kings  would  none  receive,  but 
rebuked  the  messengers  shamefully,  and  said  they  had  no 
joy  to  receive  no  gifts  of  a  beardless  boy  that  was  come  of 
low  blood,  and  sent  him  word  they  would  none  of  his  gifts, 
but  that  they  were  come  to  give  him  gifts  with  hard  swords 
betwixt  the  neck  and  the  shoulders :  and  therefore  they 
came  thither,  so  they  told  to  the  messengers  plainly,  for  it 
was  great  shame  to  all  them  to  see  such  a  boy  to  have  a  rule 
of  so  noble  a  realm  as  this  land  was.  With  this  answer  the 
messengers  departed  and  told  to  King  Arthur  this  answer. 


i4  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

Wherefore,  by  the  advice  of  his  barons,  he  took  him  to  a 
strong  tower  with  five  hundred  good  men  with  him.  And 
all  the  kings  aforesaid  in  a  manner  laid  a  siege  to-fore  him, 
but  King  Arthur  was  well  victualed.  And  within  fifteen 
days  there  came  Merlin  among  them  into  the  city  of  Carlion. 
Then  all  the  kings  were  passing  glad  of  Merlin,  and  asked 
him,  For  what  cause  is  that  boy  Arthur  made  your  king  ? 
Sirs,  said  Merlin,  I  shall  tell  you  the  cause,  for  he  is  King 
Uther  Pendragon's  son,  born  in  wedlock  of  Igraine,  the 
duke's  wife  of  Tintagil.  After  the  death  of  the  duke, 
thirteen  days,  King  Uther  wedded  Igraine.  And  who  saith 
nay,  he  shall  be  king  and  overcome  all  his  enemies.  Some 
of  the  kings  had  marvel  of  Merlin's  words,  and  deemed  well 
that  it  should  be  as  he  said ;  and  some  of  them  laughed  him 
to  scorn,  as  King  Lot ;  and  more  other  called  him  a  witch. 
But  then  were  they  accorded  with  Merlin,  that  King  Arthur 
should  come  out  and  speak  with  the  kings,  and  to  come 
safe  and  to  go  safe,  such  surance  there  was  made. 

Then  King  Arthur  came  out  of  his  tower,  and  had  under 
his  gown  a  jesseraunt  of  double  mail,  and  there  went  with 
him  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  Sir  Baudwin  of 
Britain,  and  Sir  Kay,  and  Sir  Brastias :  these  were  the  men 
of  most  worship  that  were  with  him.  And  when  they 
were  met  there  was  no  meekness,  but  stout  words  on  both 
sides ;  but  always  King  Arthur  answered  them,  and  said 
he  would  make  them  to  bow  an  he  lived.  Wherefore 
they  departed  with  wrath,  and  King  Arthur  bade  keep 
them  well,  and  they  bade  the  king  keep  him  well.  So  the 
king  returned  him  to  the  tower  again  and  armed  him  and 
all  his  knights.  With  that  Merlin  came  to  King  Arthur, 
and  bade  him  set  on  them  fiercely ;  and  in  the  meanwhile 


HOW   KING  ARTHUR   HELD  THE   FIELD      15 

there  were  three  hundred  good  men,  of  the  best  that  were 
with  the  kings,  that  went  straight  unto  King  Arthur,  and 
that  comforted  him  greatly.  Sir,  said  Merlin  to  Arthur, 
fight  not  with  the  sword  that  ye  had  by  miracle,  till  that 
ye  see  ye  go  unto  the  worse,  then  draw  it  out  and  do  your 
best.  So  forthwithal  King  Arthur  set  upon  them  in  their 
lodging.  And  Sir  Baudwin,  Sir  Kay,  and  Sir  Brastias  slew 
on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  hand  that  it  was  marvel ; 
and  always  King  Arthur  on  horseback  laid  on  with  a  sword, 
and  did  marvellous  deeds  of  arms,  that  many  of  the  kings 
had  great  joy  of  his  deeds  and  hardiness. 

Then  King  Lot  brake  out  on  the  back  side,  and  the 
King  with  the  Hundred  Knights,  and  King  Carados,  and 
set  on  Arthur  fiercely  behind  him.  With  that  Sir  Arthur 
turned  with  his  knights,  and  smote  behind  and  before,  and 
ever  Sir  Arthur  was  in  the  foremost  press  till  his  horse 
was  slain  underneath  him.  And  therewith  King  Lot 
smote  down  King  Arthur.  With  that  his  four  knights 
received  him  and  set  him  on  horseback.  Then  he  drew 
his  sword  Excalibur,  but  it  was  so  bright  in  his  enemies' 
eyes,  that  it  gave  light  like  thirty  torches.  And  there- 
with he  put  them  a-back,  and  slew  much  people.  And 
then  the  commons  of  Carlion  arose  with  clubs  and  staves 
and  slew  many  knights ;  but  all  the  kings  held  them 
together  with  their  knights  that  were  left  alive,  and  so  fled 
and  departed.  And  Merlin  came  unto  Arthur  and  coun- 
selled him  to  follow  them  no  further. 


i6 


OF  KING  ARTHUR 


OF  KING  ARTHUR  AND 
KING  PELLINORE  AND 
HOW  ARTHUR  SENT  FOR 
HIS  MOTHER.  Then  came  to 
King  Arthur,  King  Lot's  wife,  of 
Orkney,  in  manner  of  a  message, 
but  she  was  sent  thither  to  espy 
the  court  of  King  Arthur;  and 
she  came  richly  beseen,  with  her 
four  sons,  Gawaine,  Gaheris,  Agra- 
vine,  and  Gareth,  with  many  other 

knights  and  ladies,  and  she  was  a  passing  fair  lady, 
wherefore  the  king  cast  great  love  unto  her,  and  so  was 
Mordred  born,  and  she  was  his  sister,  on  his  mother's 
side,  Igraine.  So  there  she  rested  her  a  month,  and  at 
the  last  departed.  Then  the  king  dreamed  a  marvellous 
dream  whereof  he  was  sore  adread.  But  all  this  time  King 
Arthur  knew  not  that  King  Lot's  wife  was  his  sister.  Thus 
was  the  dream  of  Arthur :  Him  thought  there  was  come 
into  this  land  griffins  and  serpents,  and  him  thought  they 
burnt  and  slew  all  the  people  in  the  land,  and  then  him 
thought  he  fought  with  them,  and  they  did  him  passing 
great  harm,  and  wounded  him  full  sore,  but  at  the  last  he 
slew  them.  When  the  king  awaked,  he  was  passing  heavy 
of  his  dream,  and  so  to  put  it  out  of  thoughts,  he  made  him 
ready  with  many  knights  to  ride  a-hunting.  As  soon  as 
he  was  in  the  forest  the  king  saw  a  great  hart  afore  him. 
This  hart  will  I  chase,  said  King  Arthur,  and  so  he  spurred 
the  horse,  and  rode  after  long,  and  so  by  fine  force  oft  he 
was  like  to  have  smitten  the  hart ;  whereas  the  king  had 
chased  the  hart  so  long,  that  his  horse  lost  his  breath,  and 


OF  KING  PELLINORE  17 

fell  down  dead.  Then  a  yeoman  fetched  the  king  another 
horse. 

So  the  king  saw  the  hart  embushed,  and  his  horse  dead, 
he  set  him  down  by  a  fountain,  and  there  he  fell  in  great 
thoughts.  And  as  he  sat  so,  him  thought  he  heard  a  noise 
of  hounds,  to  the  sum  of  thirty.  And  with  that  the  king 
saw  coming  toward  him  the  strangest  beast  that  ever  he 
saw  or  heard  of;  so  the  beast  went  to  the  well  and  drank, 
and  the  noise  was  in  the  beast's  belly  like  unto  the  questing 
of  thirty  couple  hounds ;  but  all  the  while  the  beast  drank 
there  was  no  noise  in  the  beast's  belly:  and  therewith  the 
beast  departed  with  a  great  noise,  whereof  the  king  had 
great  marvel.  And  so  he  was  in  a  great  thought,  and 
therewith  he  fell  asleep.  Right  so  there  came  a  knight 
afoot  unto  Arthur  and  said,  Knight  full  of  thought  and 
sleepy,  tell  me  if  thou  sawest  a  strange  beast  pass  this  way. 
Such  one  saw  I,  said  King  Arthur,  that  is  past  two  mile ; 
what  would  ye  with  the  beast  ?  said  Arthur.  Sir,  I  have 
followed  that  beast  long  time,  and  killed  mine  horse,  so 
would  I  had  another  to  follow  my  quest.  Right  so 
came  one  with  the  king's  horse,  and  when  the  knight  saw 
the  horse,  he  prayed  the  king  to  give  him  the  horse :  for 
I  have  followed  this  quest  this  twelvemonth,  and  either  I 
shall  achieve  him,  or  bleed  of  the  best  blood  of  my  body. 
Pellinore,  that  time  king,  followed  the  Questing  Beast,  and 
after  his  death  Sir  Palamides  followed  it. 

Sir  knight,  said  the  king,  leave  that  quest,  and  suffer  me 
to  have  it,  and  I  will  follow  it  another  twelvemonth.  Ah, 
fool,  said  the  knight  unto  Arthur,  it  is  in  vain  thy  desire, 
for  it  shall  never  be  achieved  but  by  me,  or  my  next  kin. 
Therewith  he  started  unto  the  king's  horse  and  mounted 


i8  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

into  the  saddle,  and  said,  Gramercy,  this  horse  is  my  own. 
Well,  said  the  king,  thou  mayst  take  my  horse  by  force, 
but  an  I  might  prove  thee  whether  thou  were  better  on 
horseback  or  I.  —  Well,  said  the  knight,  seek  me  here  when 
thou  wilt,  and  here  nigh  this  well  thou  shalt  find  me,  and 
so  passed  on  his  way.  Then  the  king  sat  in  a  study,  and 
bade  his  men  fetch  his  horse  as  fast  as  ever  they  might. 
Right  so  came  by  him  Merlin  like  a  child  of  fourteen  year 
of  age,  and  saluted  the  king,  and  asked  him  why  he  was  so 
pensive.  I  may  well  be  pensive,  said  the  king,  for  I  have 
seen  the  marvellest  sight  that  ever  I  saw.  That  know  I 
well,  said  Merlin,  as  well  as  thyself,  and  of  all  thy  thoughts, 
but  thou  art  but  a  fool  to  take  thought,  for  it  will  not  amend 
thee.  Also  I  know  what  thou  art,  and  who  was  thy  father, 
and  of  whom  thou  wert  born ;  King  Uther  Pendragon 
was  thy  father,  and  had  thee  of  Igraine.  That  is  false, 
said  King  Arthur,  how  shouldest  thou  know  it,  for  thou  art 
not  so  old  of  years  to  know  my  father  ?  Yes,  said  Merlin, 
I  know  it  better  than  ye  or  any  man  living.  I  will  not 
believe  thee,  said  Arthur,  and  was  wroth  with  the  child. 
So  departed  Merlin,  and  came  again  in  the  likeness  of  an 
old  man  of  fourscore  year  of  age,  whereof  the  king  was 
right  glad,  for  he  seemed  to  be  right  wise. 

Then  said  the  old  man,  Why  are  ye  so  sad  ?  I  may 
well  be  heavy,  said  Arthur,  for  many  things.  Also  here 
was  a  child,  and  told  me  many  things  that  meseemeth  he 
should  not  know,  for  he  was  not  of  age  to  know  my  father. 
Yes,  said  the  old  man,  the  child  told  you  truth,  and  more 
would  he  have  told  you  an  ye  would  have  suffered  him. 
But  ye  have  done  a  thing  late  that  God  is  displeased  with  you, 
and  your  sister  shall  have  a  child  that  shall  destroy  you  and 


ARTHUR  AND   KING   PELLINORE  19 

all  the  knights  of  your  realm.  What  are  ye,  said  Arthur,  that 
tell  me  these  tidings  ?  I  am  Merlin,  and  I  was  he  in  the  child's 
likeness.  Ah,  said  King  Arthur,  ye  are  a  marvellous  man,  but 
I  marvel  much  of  thy  words  that  I  must  die  in  battle.  Marvel 
not,  said  Merlin,  for  it  is  God's  will  your  body  to  be  punished 
for  your  foul  deeds ;  but  I  may  well  be  sorry,  said  Merlin, 
for  I  shall  die  a  shameful  death,  to  be  put  in  the  earth  quick, 
and  ye  shall  die  a  worshipful  death.  And  as  they  talked 
thus,  came  one  with  the  king's  horse,  and  so  the  king  mounted 
on  his  horse,  and  Merlin  on  another,  and  so  rode  unto 
Carlion.  And  anon  the  king  asked  Ector  and  Ulfius  how 
he  was  begotten,  and  they  told  him  Uther  Pendragon  was 
his  father  and  Queen  Igraine  his  mother.  Then  he  said  to 
Merlin,  I  will  that  my  mother  be  sent  for,  that  I  may  speak 
with  her.  Then  in  all  haste,  the  queen  was  sent  for,  and 
she  came  and  brought  with  her  Morgan  le  Fay,  her  daughter, 
that  was  as  fair  a  lady  as  any  might  be,  and  the  king  welcomed 
Igraine  in  the  best  manner. 

Then  Merlin  took  the  king  by  the  hand,  saying,  This  is 
your  mother.  And  therewith  Sir  Ector  bare  witness  how 
he  nourished  him  by  Uther's  commandment.  And  there- 
with King  Arthur  took  his  mother,  Queen  Igraine,  in  his 
arms  and  kissed  her,  and  either  wept  upon  other.  And 
then  the  king  let  make  a  feast  that  lasted  eight  days. 

HOW  ARTHUR  FOUGHT  WITH  KING 
PELLINORE  AND  HOW  MERLIN  SAVED 
ARTHUR'S  LIFE,  AND  ARTHUR  BY  THE 
MEAN  OF  MERLIN  GAT  HIS  SWORD 
EXCALIBUR.  Then  on  a  day  there  came  in 
the  court  a  squire  on  horseback,  leading  a  knight  before 


20  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

him  wounded  to  the  death,  and  told  him  how  there  was  a 
knight  in  the  forest  had  reared  up  a  pavilion  by  a  well,  and 
hath  slain  my  master,  a  good  knight,  his  name  was  Miles ; 
wherefore  I  beseech  you  that  my  master  may  be  buried,  and 
that  some  knight  may  revenge  my  master's  death.  Then 
the  noise  was  great  of  that  knight's  death  in  the  court,  and 
every  man  said  his  advice.  Then  came  Griflet  that  was  but 
a  squire,  and  he  was  but  young,  of  the  age  of  the  king  Arthur, 
so  he  besought  the  king  for  all  his  service  that  he  had  done 
him  to  give  the  order  of  knighthood. 

Thou  art  full  young  and  tender  of  age,  said  Arthur, 
for  to  take  so  high  an  order  on  thee.  Sir,  said  Griflet,  I 
beseech  you  make  me  knight.  Sir,  said  Merlin,  it  were 
great  pity  to  lose  Griflet,  for  he  will  be  a  passing  good 
man  when  he  is  of  age,  abiding  with  you  the  term  of  his 
life.  And  if  he  adventure  his  body  with  yonder  knight  at 
the  fountain,  it  is  in  great  peril  if  ever  he  come  again,  for 
he  is  one  of  the  best  knights  of  the  world,  and  the  strongest 
man  of  arms.  Well,  said  Arthur.  So  at  the  desire  of 
Griflet  the  king  made  him  knight.  Now,  said  Arthur 
unto  Sir  Griflet,  sith  I  have  made  you  knight  thou  must 
give  me  a  gift.  What  ye  will,  said  Griflet.  Thou  shalt 
promise  me  by  the  faith  of  thy  body,  when  thou  hast  jousted 
with  the  knight  at  the  fountain,  whether  it  fall  ye  be  on 
foot  or  on  horseback,  that  right  so  ye  shall  come  again  unto 
me  without  making  any  more  debate.  I  will  promise  you, 
said  Griflet,  as  you  desire.  Then  took  Griflet  his  horse 
in  great  haste,  and  dressed  his  shield  and  took  a  spear  in  his 
hand,  and  so  he  rode  a  great  wallop  till  he  came  to  the 
fountain,  and  thereby  he  saw  a  rich  pavilion,  and  thereby 
under  a  cloth  stood  a  fair  horse  well  saddled  and  bridled, 


GRIFLET  JOUSTS  WITH  A  KNIGHT  21 

and  on  a  tree  a  shield  of  divers  colours  and  a  great  spear. 
Then  Griflet  smote  on  the  shield  with  the  butt  of  his  spear, 
that  the  shield  fell  down  to  the  ground.  With  that  the 
knight  came  out  of  the  pavilion,  and  said,  Fair  knight, 
why  smote  ye  down  my  shield  ?  For  I  will  joust  with  you, 
said  Griflet.  It  is  better  ye  do  not,  said  the  knight,  for 
ye  are  but  young,  and  late  made  knight,  and  your  might 
is  nothing  to  mine.  As  for  that,  said  Griflet,  I  will  joust 
with  you.  That  is  me  loath,  said  the  knight,  but  sith  I 
must  needs,  I  will  dress  me  thereto.  Of  whence  be  ye  ? 
said  the  knight.  Sir,  I  am  of  Arthur's  court.  So  the  two 
knights  ran  together  that  Griflet's  spear  all  to-shivered ; 
and  therewithal  he  smote  Griflet  through  the  shield  and  the 
left  side,  and  brake  the  spear  that  the  truncheon  stuck  in 
his  body,  that  horse  and  knight  fell  down. 

When  the  knight  saw  him  lie  so  on  the  ground,  he 
alighted,  and  was  passing  heavy,  for  he  weened  he  had 
slain  him,  and  then  he  unlaced  his  helm  and  gat  him  wind, 
and  so  with  the  truncheon  he  set  him  on  his  horse,  and 
so  betook  him  to  God,  and  said  he  had  a  mighty  heart, 
and  if  he  might  live  he  would  prove  a  passing  good  knight. 
And  so  Sir  Griflet  rode  to  the  court,  where  great  dole  was 
made  for  him.  But  through  good  leeches  he  was  healed 
and  saved.  Then  King  Arthur  was  passingly  wroth  for 
the  hurt  of  Sir  Griflet.  And  so  he  commanded  a  privy 
man  of  his  chamber  that  ere  it  be  day  his  best  horse  and 
armour,  with  all  that  longeth  unto  his  person,  be  without 
the  city  or  to-morrow  day.  Right  so  or  to-morrow  day 
he  met  with  his  man  and  his  horse,  and  so  mounted  up  and 
dressed  his  shield  and  took  his  spear,  and  bade  his  chamber- 
lain tarry  there  till  he  came  again.  And  so  Arthur  rode 


22  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

a  soft  pace  till  it  was  day,  and  then  was  he  ware  of  three 
churls  chasing  Merlin,  and  would  have  slain  him.  Then 
the  king  rode  unto  them,  and  bade  them :  Flee,  churls ! 
then  were  they  afeard  when  they  saw  a  knight,  and  fled. 

0  Merlin,  said  Arthur,  here  hadst  thou  been  slain  for  all 
thy  crafts  had  I  not  been.     Nay,  said  Merlin,  not  so,  for 

1  could  save  myself  an  I  would  ;    and  thou  art  more  near 
thy  death  than  I  am,  for  thou  goest  to  the  deathward,  an 
God  be  not  thy  friend. 

So  as  they  went  thus  talking  they  came  to  the  fountain, 
and  the  rich  pavilion  there  by  it.  Then  King  Arthur  was 
ware  where  sat  a  knight  armed  in  a  chair.  Sir  knight,  said 
Arthur,  for  what  cause  abidest  thou  here,  that  there  may 
no  knight  ride  this  way  but  if  he  joust  with  thee  ?  said  the 
king.  I  rede  thee  leave  that  custom,  said  Arthur.  This 
custom,  said  the  knight,  have  I  used  and  will  use  maugre 
who  saith  nay,  and  who  is  grieved  with  my  custom  let 
him  amend  it  that  will.  I  will  amend  it,  said  Arthur.  I 
shall  defend  thee,  said  the  knight.  Anon  he  took  his  horse 
and  dressed  his  shield  and  took  a  spear,  and  they  met  so 
hard  either  in  other's  shields,  that  all  to-shivered  their 
spears.  Therewith  anon  Arthur  pulled  out  his  sword. 
Nay,  not  so,  said  the  knight ;  it  is  fairer,  said  the  knight, 
that  we  twain  run  more  together  with  sharp  spears.  I 
will  well,  said  Arthur,  an  I  had  any  more  spears.  I  have 
enow,  said  the  knight ;  so  there  came  a  squire  and  brought 
two  good  spears,  and  Arthur  chose  one  and  he  another; 
so  they  spurred  their  horses  and  came  together  with  all 
their  mights,  that  either  brake  their  spears  to  their  hands. 
Then  Arthur  set  hand  on  his  sword.  Nay,  said  the  knight, 
ye  shall  do  better,  ye  are  a  passing  good  jouster  as  ever  I 


ARTHUR'S   FIGHT  WITH  A  KNIGHT          23 

met  withal,  and  for  the  love  of  the  high  order  of  knighthood 
let  us  joust  once  again.  I  assent  me,  said  Arthur.  Anon 
there  were  brought  two  great  spears,  and  every  knight  gat 
a  spear,  and  therewith  they  ran  together  that  Arthur's  spear 
all  to-shivered.  But  the  other  knight  hit  him  so  hard  in 
midst  of  the  shield,  that  horse  and  man  fell  to  the  earth, 
and  therewith  Arthur  was  eager,  and  pulled  out  his  sword, 
and  said,  I  will  assay  thee,  sir  knight,  on  foot,  for  I  have  lost 
the  honour  on  horseback.  Then  the  knight  alighted  and 
dressed  his  shield  unto  Arthur.  And  there  began  a  strong 
battle  with  many  great  strokes,  and  so  hewed  with  their 
swords  that  the  cantels  flew  in  the  fields.  So  at  the  last  they 
smote  together  that  both  their  swords  met  even  together. 
But  the  sword  of  the  knight  smote  King  Arthur's  sword  in 
two  pieces,  wherefore  he  was  heavy.  Then  said  the  knight 
unto  Arthur,  Thou  art  in  my  danger  whether  me  list  to 
save  thee  or  slay  thee,  and  but  thou  yield  thee  as  overcome 
and  recreant,  thou  shalt  die.  As  for  death,  said  King 
Arthur,  welcome  be  it  when  it  cometh,  but  to  yield  me 
unto  thee  as  recreant  I  had  liefer  die  than  to  be  so  shamed. 
And  therewithal  the  king  leapt  unto  Pellinore,  and  took 
him  by  the  middle  and  threw  him  down,  and  raced  off  his 
helm.  When  the  knight  felt  that  he  was  adread,  and  anon 
he  brought  Arthur  under  him,  for  he  was  a  passing  big 
man  of  might,  and  raced  off  his  helm  and  would  have 
smitten  off  his  head. 

Therewithal  came  Merlin  and  said,  Knight,  hold  thy 
hand,  for  an  thou  slay  that  knight  thou  puttest  this  realm 
in  the  greatest  damage  that  ever  was  realm :  for  this  knight 
is  a  man  of  more  worship  than  thou  wotest  of.  Why,  who 
is  he  ?  said  the  knight.  It  is  King  Arthur.  Then  would 


24  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

he  have  slain  him  for  dread  of  his  wrath,  and  heaved  up 
his  sword,  and  therewith  Merlin  cast  an  enchantment  to 
the  knight,  that  he  fell  to  the  earth  in  a  great  sleep.  Then 
Merlin  took  up  King  Arthur,  and  rode  forth  on  the  knight's 
horse.  Alas !  said  Arthur,  what  hast  thou  done,  Merlin  ? 
hast  thou  slain  this  good  knight  by  thy  crafts  ?  There 
liveth  not  so  worshipful  a  knight  as  he  was ;  I  had  liefer 
than  the  stint  of  my  land  a  year  that  he  were  alive.  Care 
ye  not,  said  Merlin,  for  he  is  wholer  than  ye ;  for  he  is  but 
asleep,  and  will  awake  within  three  hours.  I  told  you,  said 
Merlin,  what  a  knight  he  was ;  here  had  ye  been  slain  had 
I  not  been. 

Right  so  the  king  and  he  departed,  and  went  unto  an 
hermit  that  was  a  good  man  and  a  great  leech.  So  the 
hermit  searched  all  his  wounds  and  gave  him  good  salves ; 
so  the  king  was  there  three  days,  and  then  were  his  wounds 
well  amended  that  he  might  ride  and  go,  and  so  departed. 
And  as  they  rode,  Arthur  said,  I  have  no  sword.  No 
force,  said  Merlin,  hereby  is  a  sword  that  shall  be  yours, 
an  I  may.  So  they  rode  till  they  came  to  a  lake,  the  which 
was  a  fair  water  and  broad,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  lake 
Arthur  was  ware  of  an  arm  clothed  in  white  samite,  that 
held  a  fair  sword  in  that  hand.  Lo !  said  Merlin,  yonder 
is  that  sword  that  I  spake  of.  With  that  they  saw  a  damosel 
going  upon  the  lake.  What  damosel  is  that  ?  said  Arthur. 
That  is  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  said  Merlin ;  and  within 
that  lake  is  a  rock,  and  therein  is  as  fair  a  place  as  any  on 
earth,  and  richly  beseen ;  and  this  damosel  will  come  to  you 
anon,  and  then  speak  ye  fair  to  her  that  she  will  give  you 
that  sword.  Anon  withal  came  the  damosel  unto  Arthur, 
and  saluted  him,  and  he  her  again.  Damosel,  said  Arthur, 


ARTHUR  AND  THE  LADY  OF  THE  LAKE  25 

what  sword  is  that,  that  yonder  the  arm  holdeth  above  the 
water  ?  I  would  it  were  mine,  for  I  have  no  sword.  Sir 
Arthur,  king,  said  the  damosel,  that  sword  is  mine,  and  if 
ye  will  give  me  a  gift  when  I  ask  it  you,  ye  shall  have  it. 
By  my  faith,  said  Arthur,  I  will  give  you  what  gift  ye  will 
ask.  Well !  said  the  damosel,  go  ye  into  yonder  barge, 
and  row  yourself  to  the  sword,  and  take  it  and  the  scabbard 
with  you,  and  I  will  ask  my  gift  when  I  see  my  time.  So 
Sir  Arthur  and  Merlin  alighted  and  tied  their  horses  to  two 
trees,  and  so  they  went  into  the  ship,  and  when  they  came 
to  the  sword  that  the  hand  held,  Sir  Arthur  took  it  up  by 
the  handles,  and  took  it  with  him,  and  the  arm  and  the 
hand  went  under  the  water.  And  so  they  came  unto  the 
land  and  rode  forth. 

Then  Sir  Arthur  looked  on  the  sword,  and  liked  it 
passing  well.  Whether  liketh  you  better,  said  Merlin,  the 
sword  or  the  scabbard  ?  Me  liketh  better  the  sword,  said 
Arthur.  Ye  are  more  unwise,  said  Merlin,  for  the  scabbard 
is  worth  ten  of  the  swords,  for  whiles  ye  have  the  scabbard 
upon  you,  ye  shall  never  lose  no  blood,  be  ye  never  so  sore 
wounded ;  therefore  keep  well  the  scabbard  always  with 
you.  So  they  came  unto  Carlion,  whereof  his  knights 
were  passing  glad.  And  when  they  heard  of  his  adventures, 
they  marvelled  that  he  would  jeopard  his  person  so,  alone. 
But  all  men  of  worship  said  it  was  merry  to  be  under  such 
a  chieftain,  that  would  put  his  person  in  adventure  as  other 
poor  knights  did. 


26  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

HOW  KING  ARTHUR  WEDDED  GUENEVER, 
DAUGHTER  TO  LEODEGRANCE,  KING  OF 
THE  LAND  OF  CAMELIARD,  WITH  WHOM 
HE  HAD  THE  ROUND  TABLE,  AND  HOW  TOR 
AND  GAWAINE  WERE  MADE  KNIGHTS.  So  it 
fell  on  a  time  King  Arthur  said  unto  Merlin,  My  barons 
will  let  me  have  no  rest,  but  needs  I  must  take  a  wife, 
and  I  will  none  take  but  by  thy  counsel  and  by  thine 
advice.  It  is  well  done,  said  Merlin,  that  ye  take  a  wife, 
for  a  man  of  your  bounty  and  noblesse  should  not  be  without 
a  wife.  Now  is  there  any  that  ye  love  more  than  another  ? 
Yea,  said  King  Arthur,  I  love  Guenever  the  king's  daughter, 
Leodegrance  of  the  land  of  Cameliard,  the  which  holdeth 
in  his  house  the  Table  Round  that  ye  told  he  had  of  my 
father  Uther.  And  this  damosel  is  the  most  valiant  and 
fairest  lady  that  I  know  living,  or  yet  that  ever  I  could  find. 
Sir,  said  Merlin,  as  of  her  beauty  and  fairness  she  is  one 
of  the  fairest  alive,  but,  an  ye  loved  her  not  so  well  as  ye 
do,  I  should  find  you  a  damosel  of  beauty  and  of  goodness 
that  should  like  you  and  please  you,  an  your  heart  were 
not  set ;  but  there  as  a  man's  heart  is  set,  he  will  be  loath  to 
return.  That  is  truth,  said  King  Arthur. 

Then  Merlin  went  forth  unto  King  Leodegrance  of 
Cameliard,  and  told  him  of  the  desire  of  the  king  that  he 
would  have  unto  his  wife  Guenever  his  daughter.  That 
is  to  me,  said  King  Leodegrance,  the  best  tidings  that  ever 
I  heard,  that  so  worthy  a  king  of  prowess  and  noblesse  will 
wed  my  daughter.  And  as  for  my  lands,  I  will  give  him, 
wist  I  it  might  please  him,  but  he  hath  lands  enow,  him 
needeth  none ;  but  I  shall  send  him  a  gift  shall  please  him 
much  more,  for  I  shall  give  him  the  Table  Round,  the  which 


HOW   KING  ARTHUR  WEDDED  GUENEVER    27 

Uther  Pendragon  gave  me,  and  when  it  is  full  complete, 
there  is  an  hundred  knights  and  fifty.  And  as  for  an  hun- 
dred good  knights  I  have  myself,  but  I  faute  fifty,  for  so 
many  have  been  slain  in  my  days.  And  so  Leodegrance 
delivered  his  daughter  Guenever  unto  Merlin,  and  the  Table 
Round  with  the  hundred  knights,  and  so  they  rode  freshly, 
with  great  royalty,  what  by  water  and  what  by  land,  till 
that  they  came  nigh  unto  London. 

When  King  Arthur  heard  of  the  coming  of  Guenever  and 
the  hundred  knights  with  the  Table  Round,  then  King 
Arthur  made  great  joy  for  her  coming,  and  that  rich  present, 
and  said  openly,  This  fair  lady  is  passing  welcome  unto  me, 
for  I  have  loved  her  long,  and  therefore  there  is  nothing 
so  lief  to  me.  And  these  knights  with  the  Round  Table 
please  me  more  than  right  great  riches.  And  in  all  haste 
the  king  let  ordain  for  the  marriage  and  the  coronation 
in  the  most  honourable  wise  that  could  be  devised.  Now, 
Merlin,  said  King  Arthur,  go  thou  and  espy  me  in  all  this 
land  fifty  knights  which  be  of  most  prowess  and  worship. 
Within  short  time  Merlin  had  found  such  knights  that 
should  fulfil  twenty  and  eight  knights,  but  no  more  he  could 
find.  Then  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury  was  fetched,  and 
he  blessed  the  sieges  with  great  royalty  and  devotion,  and 
there  set  the  eight  and  twenty  knights  in  their  sieges.  And 
when  this  was  done  Merlin  said,  Fair  sirs,  ye  must  all  arise 
and  come  to  King  Arthur  for  to  do  him  homage  ;  he  will 
have  the  better  will  to  maintain  you.  And  so  they  arose 
and  did  their  homage,  and  when  they  were  gone  Merlin 
found  in  every  sieges  letters  of  gold  that  told  the  knights' 
names  that  had  sitten  therein.  But  two  sieges  were  void. 
And  so  anon  came  young  Gawaine  and  asked  the  king  a 


28  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

gift.  Ask,  said  the  king,  and  I  shall  grant  it  you.  Sir,  I 
ask  that  ye  will  make  me  knight  that  same  day  ye  shall  wed 
fair  Guenever.  I  will  do  it  with  a  good  will,  said  King 
Arthur,  and  do  unto  you  all  the  worship  that  I  may,  for  I 
must  by  reason  ye  are  my  nephew,  my  sister's  son. 

Forthwithal  there  came  a  poor  man  into  the  court,  and 
brought  with  him  a  fair  young  man  of  eighteen  years  of 
age  riding  upon  a  lean  mare ;  and  the  poor  man  asked  all 
men  that  he  met,  Where  shall  I  find  King  Arthur  ?  Yon- 
der he  is,  said  the  knights,  wilt  thou  anything  with  him  ? 
Yea,  said  the  poor  man,  therefore  I  came  hither.  Anon 
as  he  came  before  the  king,  he  saluted  him  and  said :  O 
King  Arthur,  the  flower  of  all  knights  and  kings,  I  beseech 
Jesu  save  thee.  Sir,  it  was  told  me  that  at  this  time  of 
your  marriage  ye  would  give  any  man  the  gift  that  he  would 
ask,  out  except  that  were  unreasonable.  That  is  truth, 
said  the  king,  such  cries  I  let  make,  and  that  will  I  hold, 
so  it  apair  not  my  realm  nor  mine  estate.  Ye  say  well  and 
graciously,  said  the  poor  man ;  Sir,  I  ask  nothing  else  but 
that  ye  will  make  my  son  here  a  knight.  It  is  a  great  thing 
thou  askest  of  me,  said  the  king.  What  is  thy  name  ?  said 
the  king  to  the  poor  man.  Sir,  my  name  is  Aries  the  cow- 
herd. Whether  cometh  this  of  thee  or  of  thy  son  ?  said 
the  king.  Nay,  sir,  said  Aries,  this  desire  cometh  of  my 
son  and  not  of  me,  for  I  shall  tell  you  I  have  thirteen  sons, 
and  all  they  will  fall  to  what  labour  I  put  them,  and  will 
be  right  glad  to  do  labour,  but  this  child  will  not  labour 
for  me,  for  anything  that  my  wife  or  I  may  do,  but  always 
he  will  be  shooting  or  casting  darts,  and  glad  for  to  see 
battles  and  to  behold  knights,  and  always  day  and  night 
he  desireth  of  me  to  be  made  a  knight.  What  is  thy  name  ? 


HOW  SIR  TOR  WAS  MADE   KNIGHT          29 

said  the  king  unto  the  young  man.  Sir,  my  name  is  Tor. 
The  king  beheld  him  fast,  and  saw  he  was  passingly  well- 
visaged  and  passingly  well  made  of  his  years.  Well,  said 
King  Arthur  unto  Aries  the  cowherd,  fetch  all  thy  sons 
afore  me  that  I  may  see  them.  And  so  the  poor  man  did, 
and  all  were  shaped  much  like  the  poor  man.  But  Tor 
was  not  like  none  of  them  all  in  shape  nor  in  countenance, 
for  he  was  much  more  than  any  of  them.  Now,  said  King 
Arthur  unto  the  cowherd,  where  is  the  sword  he  shall  be 
made  knight  withal  ?  It  is  here,  said  Tor.  Take  it  out  of 
the  sheath,  said  the  king,  and  require  me  to  make  you  a 
knight. 

Then  Tor  alighted  off  his  mare  and  pulled  out  his 
sword,  kneeling,  and  requiring  the  king  that  he  would 
make  him  knight,  and  that  he  might  be  a  knight  of  the 
Table  Round.  As  for  a  knight  I  will  make  you,  and  there- 
with smote  him  in  the  neck  with  the  sword,  saying,  Be  ye 
a  good  knight,  and  so  I  pray  to  God  so  ye  may  be,  and  if 
ye  be  of  prowess  and  of  worthiness  ye  shall  be  a  knight  of 
the  Table  Round.  Now  Merlin,  said  Arthur,  say  whether 
this  Tor  shall  be  a  good  knight  or  no.  Yea,  sir,  he  ought 
to  be  a  good  knight,  for  he  is  come  of  as  good  a  man  as  any 
is  alive,  and  of  kings'  blood.  How  so,  sir  ?  said  the  king. 
I  shall  tell  you,  said  Merlin :  This  poor  man,  Aries  the 
cowherd,  is  not  his  father;  he  is  nothing  sib  to  him,  for 
King  Pellinore  is  his  father.  I  suppose  nay,  said  the  cow- 
herd. Fetch  thy  wife  afore  me,  said  Merlin,  and  she  shall 
not  say  nay.  Anon  the  wife  was  fetched,  which  was  a  fair 
housewife,  and  there  she  answered  Merlin  full  womanly, 
and  there  she  told  the  king  and  Merlin  that  when  she  was 
a  maid,  and  went  to  milk  kine,  there  met  with  her  a  stern 


30  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

knight,  and  half  by  force  he  held  me,  and  after  that  time  was 
born  my  son  Tor,  and  the  knight  took  away  from  me  my 
greyhound  that  I  had  that  time  with  me,  and  said  that  he 
would  keep  the  greyhound  for  my  love.  Ah,  said  the  cow- 
herd, I  weened  not  this,  but  I  may  believe  it  well,  for  he  had 
never  no  tatches  of  me.  Sir,  said  Tor  unto  Merlin,  dishonour 
not  my  mother.  Sir,  said  Merlin,  it  is  more  for  your  wor- 
ship than  hurt,  for  your  father  is  a  good  man  and  a  king,  and 
he  may  right  well  advance  you  and  your  mother,  for  ye 
were  begotten  or  ever  she  was  wedded.  That  is  truth,  said 
the  wife.  It  is  the  less  grief  unto  me,  said  the  cowherd. 

So  on  the  morn  King  Pellinore  came  to  the  court  of 
King  Arthur,  which  had  great  joy  of  him,  and  told  him 
of  Tor,  how  he  was  his  son,  and  how  he  had  made  him  knight 
at  the  request  of  the  cowherd.  When  Pellinore  beheld 
Tor,  he  pleased  him  much.  So  the  king  made  Gawaine 
knight,  but  Tor  was  the  first  he  made  at  the  feast.  What 
is  the  cause,  said  King  Arthur,  that  there  be  two  places 
void  in  the  sieges  ?  Sir,  said  Merlin,  there  shall  no  man 
sit  in  those  places  but  they  that  shall  be  of  most  worship. 
But  in  the  Siege  Perilous  there  shall  no  man  sit  therein  but 
one,  and  if  there  be  any  so  hardy  to  do  it  he  shall  be  de- 
stroyed, and  he  that  shall  sit  there  shall  have  no  fellow. 
And  therewith  Merlin  took  King  Pellinore  by  the  hand, 
and  in  the  one  next  the  two  sieges  and  the  Siege  Perilous 
he  said,  in  open  audience,  This  is  your  place  and  best  ye 
are  worthy  to  sit  therein  of  any  that  is  here.  Thereat  sat 
Sir  Gawaine  in  great  envy  and  told  Gaheris  his  brother, 
yonder  knight  is  put  to  great  worship,  the  which  grieveth 
me  sore,  for  he  slew  our  father  King  Lot,  therefore  I  will 
slay  him,  said  Gawaine,  with  a  sword  that  was  sent  me  that 


HOW  MERLIN  WAS  ASSOTTED  31 

is  passing  trenchant.  Ye  shall  not  so,  said  Gaheris,  at  this 
time,  for  at  this  time  I  am  but  a  squire,  and  when  I  am 
made  knight  I  will  be  avenged  on  him,  and  therefore, 
brother,  it  is  best  ye  suffer  till  another  time,  that  we  may 
have  him  out  of  the  court,  for  an  we  did  so  we  should  trouble 
this  high  feast.  I  will  well,  said  Gawaine,  as  ye  will. 

Then  was  the  high  feast  made  ready,  and  the  king  was 
wedded  at  Camelot  unto  Dame  Guenever  in  the  church  of 
Saint  Stephen's,  with  great  solemnity. 

HOW  MERLIN  WAS  ASSOTTED 
AND  DOTED  ON  ONE  OF  THE 
LADIES  OF  THE  LAKE,  AND 
HOW  HE  WAS  SHUT  IN  A 
ROCK  UNDER  A  STONE  AND 
THERE  DIED.  So  after  this  Merlin 
fell  in  a  dotage  on  one  of  the  damosels 
of  the  lake,  that  hight  Nimue.  But 
Merlin  would  let  her  have  »no  rest, 
but  always  he  would  be  with  her.  And  ever  she  made 
Merlin  good  cheer  till  she  had  learned  of  him  all  manner 
thing  that  she  desired  ;  and  he  was  assotted  upon  her,  that 
he  might  not  be  from  her.  So  on  a  time  he  told  King  Arthur 
that  he  should  not  dure  long,  but  for  all  his  crafts  he  should 
be  put  in  the  earth  quick.  And  so  he  told  the  king  many 
things  that  should  befall,  but  always  he  warned  the  king  to 
keep  well  his  sword  and  the  scabbard,  for  he  told  him  how 
the  sword  and  the  scabbard  should  be  stolen  by  a  woman 
from  him  that  he  most  trusted.  Also  he  told  King  Arthur 
that  he  should  miss  him,  —  Yet,  had  ye  liefer  than  all  your 
lands  to  have  me  again.  Ah,  said  the  king,  since  ye  know 


32  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

of  your  adventure,  purvey  for  it,  and  put  away  by  your 
crafts  that  misadventure.  Nay,  said  Merlin,  it  will  not  be ; 
so  he  departed  from  the  king.  And  within  a  while  the  Dam- 
osel  of  the  Lake  departed,  and  Merlin  went  with  her  ever 
more  wheresomever  she  went.  And  ofttimes  Merlin  would 
have  had  her  privily  away  by  his  subtle  crafts ;  then  she 
made  him  to  swear  that  he  should  never  do  none  enchantment 
upon  'her  if  he  would  have  his  will.  And  so  he  sware ;  so 
she  and  Merlin  went  over  the  sea  unto  the  land  of  Benwick, 
whereas  King  Ban  was  king  that  had  great  war  against  King 
Claudas,  and  there  Merlin  spake  with  King  Ban's  wife,  a 
fair  lady  and  a  good,  and  her  name  was  Elaine,  and  there 
he  saw  young  Launcelot.  There  the  queen  made  great 
sorrow  for  the  mortal  war  that  King  Claudas  made  on  her 
lord  and  on  her  lands.  Take  none  heaviness,  said  Merlin, 
for  this  same  child  within  this  twenty  year  shall  revenge  you 
on  King  Claudas,  that  all  Christendom  shall  speak  of  it ; 
and  this  same  child  shall  be  the  most  man  of  worship  of  the 
world,  and  his  first  name  is  Galahad,  that  know  I  well,  said 
Merlin,  and  since  ye  have  confirmed  him  Launcelot.  That 
is  truth,  said  the  queen,  his  first  name  was  Galahad.  O 
Merlin,  said  the  queen,  shall  I  live  to  see  my  son  such  a 
man  of  prowess  ?  Yea,  lady,  on  my  peril  ye  shall  see  it, 
and  live  many  winters  after. 

And  so,  soon  after,  the  lady  and  Merlin  departed,  and 
by  the  way  Merlin  showed  her  many  wonders,  and  came 
into  Cornwall.  And  always  Merlin  lay  about  the  lady  to 
have  her  love,  and  she  was  ever  passing  weary  of  him,  and 
fain  would  have  been  delivered  of  him,  for  she  was  afeard 
of  him  because  he  was  a  devil's  son,  and  she  could  not  put 
him  away  by  no  means.  And  so  on  a  time  it  happed 


HOW  ARTHUR  CHASED  AN  HART  33 

that  Merlin  showed  to  her  in  a  rock  whereas  was  a  great 
wonder,  and  wrought  by  enchantment,  that  went  under 
a  great  stone.  So  by  her  subtle  working  she  made  Merlin 
to  go  under  that  stone  to  let  her  wit  of  the  marvels  there ; 
but  she  wrought  so  there  for  him  that  he  came  never  out 
for  all  the  craft  he  could  do.  And  so  she  departed  and  left 
Merlin. 

HOW  KING  ARTHUR,  KING 
URIENS,  AND  SIR  ACCOLON 
OF  GAUL,  CHASED  AN  HART, 
AND  OF  THEIR  MARVELLOUS 
ADVENTURES,  AND  HOW  KING 
ARTHUR  AND  ACCOLON  TOOK 
UPON  THEM  TO  DO  BATTLE. 
Then  it  befell  that  Arthur  and  many 
of  his  knights  rode  a-hunting  into  a 
great  forest,  and  it  happed  King  Arthur,  King  Uriens,  and 
Sir  Accolon  of  Gaul,  followed  a  great  hart,  for  they  three 
were  well  horsed,  and  so  they  chased  so  fast  that  within  a 
while  they  three  were  then  ten  mile  from  their  fellowship. 
And  at  the  last  they  chased  so  sore  that  they  slew  their  horses 
underneath  them.  Then  were  they  all  three  on  foot,  and 
ever  they  saw  the  hart  afore  them  passing  weary  and  em- 
bushed.  What  will  we  do  ?  said  King  Arthur,  we  are  hard 
bestead.  Let  us  go  on  foot,  said  King  Uriens,  till  we  may 
meet  with  some  lodging.  Then  were  they  ware  of  the  hart 
that  lay  on  a  great  water  bank,  and  a  brachet  biting  on 
his  throat,  and  more  other  hounds  came  after.  Then  King 
Arthur  blew  the  prise  and  dight  the  hart. 

Then  the  king  looked  about  the  world,  and  saw  afore 


34  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

him  in  a  great  water  a  little  ship,  all  apparelled  with  silk 
down  to  the  water,  and  the  ship  came  right  unto  them  and 
landed  on  the  sands.  Then  Arthur  went  to  the  bank  and 
looked  in,  and  saw  none  earthly  creature  therein.  Sirs, 
said  the  king,  come  thence,  and  let  us  see  what  is  in  this 
ship.  So  they  went  in  all  three,  and  found  it  richly  be- 
hanged  with  cloth  of  silk.  By  then  it  was  dark  night,  and 
there  suddenly  were  about  them  an  hundred  torches  set 
upon  all  the  sides  of  the  ship  boards,  and  it  gave  great  light ; 
and  therewithal  there  came  out  twelve  fair  damosels  and 
saluted  King  Arthur  on  their  knees,  and  called  him  by  his 
name,  and  said  he  was  right  welcome,  and  such  cheer  as 
they  had  he  should  have  of  the  best.  The  king  thanked 
them  fair.  Therewithal  they  led  the  king  and  his  two  fel- 
lows into  a  fair  chamber,  and  there  was  a  cloth  laid,  richly 
beseen  of  all  that  longed  unto  a  table,  and  there  were  they 
served  of  all  wines  and  meats  that  they  could  think;  of 
that  the  king  had  great  marvel,  for  he  fared  never  better 
in  his  life  as  for  one  supper.  And  so  when  they  had  supped 
at  their  leisure,  King  Arthur  was  led  into  a  chamber,  a  richer 
beseen  chamber  saw  he  never  none,  and  so  was  King  Uriens 
served,  and  led  into  such  another  chamber,  and  Sir  Accolon 
was  led  into  the  third  chamber  passing  richly  and  well  be- 
seen ;  and  so  they  were  laid  in  their  beds  easily.  And  anon 
they  fell  asleep,  and  slept  marvellously  sore  all  the  night. 
And  on  the  morrow  King  Uriens  was  in  Camelot  with  his 
wife,  Morgan  le  Fay.  And  when  he  awoke  he  had  great 
marvel,  how  he  came  there,  for  on  the  even  afore  he  was 
two  days'  journey  from  Camelot.  And  when  King  Arthur 
awoke  he  found  himself  in  a  dark  prison,  hearing  abofut 
him  many  complaints  of  woful  knights. 


HOW  ARTHUR  WAS  A  PRISONER  35 

What  are  ye  that  so  complain  ?  said  King  Arthur.  We 
be  here  twenty  knights,  prisoners,  said  they,  and  some  of  us 
have  lain  here  seven  year,  and  some  more  and  some  less. 
For  what  cause  ?  said  Arthur.  We  shall  tell  you,  said  the 
knights ;  this  lord  of  this  castle,  his  name  is  Sir  Damas,  and 
he  is  the  falsest  knight  that  liveth,  and  full  of  treason,  and 
a  very  coward  as  any  liveth,  and  he  hath  a  younger  brother, 
a  good  knight  of  prowess,  his  name  is  Sir  Ontzlake ;  and 
this  traitor  Damas,  the  elder  brother  will  give  him  no  part 
of  his  livelihood,  but  as  Sir  Ontzlake  keepeth  thorough 
prowess  of  his  hands,  and  so  he  keepeth  from  him  a  full 
fair  manor  and  a  rich,  and  therein  Sir  Ontzlake  dwelleth 
worshipfully,  and  is  well  beloved  of  all  people.  And  this 
Sir  Damas,  our  master,  is  as  evil  beloved,  for  he  is  without 
mercy,  and  he  is  a  coward,  and  great  war  hath  been  betwixt 
them  both,  but  Ontzlake  hath  ever  the  better,  and  ever  he 
proffereth  Sir  Damas  to  fight  for  the  livelihood,  body  for 
body,  but  he  will  not  do ;  other-else  to  find  a  knight  to  fight 
for  him.  Unto  that  Sir  Damas  hath  granted  to  find  a  knight, 
but  he  is  so  evil  beloved  and  hated,  that  there  is  never  a 
knight  will  fight  for  him.  And  when  Damas  saw  this,  that 
there  was  never  a  knight  would  fight  for  him,  he  hath  daily 
lain  await  with  many  knights  with  him,  and  taken  all  the 
knights  in  this  country  to  see  and  espy  their  adventures,  he 
hath  taken  them  by  force  and  brought  them  to  his  prison. 
And  so  he  took  us  severally  as  we  rode  on  our  adventures, 
and  many  good  knights  have  died  in  this  prison  for  hunger, 
to  the  number  of  eighteen  knights ;  and  if  any  of  us  all  that 
here  is,  or  hath  been,  would  have  foughten  with  his  brother 
Ontzlake,  he  would  have  delivered  us,  but  for  because  this 
Damas  is  so  false  and  so  full  of  treason  we  would  never  fight 


36  OF  KING  ARTHUR 

for  him  to  die  for  it.  And  we  be  so  lean  for  hunger  that 
unnethe  we  may  stand  on  our  feet.  God  deliver  you,  for 
his  mercy,  said  Arthur. 

Anon,  therewithal  there  came  a  damosel  unto  Arthur, 
and  asked  him,  What  cheer  ?  I  cannot  say,  said  he.  Sir, 
said  she,  an  ye  will  fight  for  my  lord,  ye  shall  be  delivered 
out  of  prison,  and  else  ye  escape  never  the  life.  Now,  said 
Arthur,  that  is  hard,  yet  had  I  liefer  to  fight  with  a  knight 
than  to  die  in  prison ;  with  this,  said  Arthur,  I  may  be  de- 
livered and  all  these  prisoners,  1  will  do  the  battle.  Yes, 
said  the  damosel.  I  am  ready,  said  Arthur,  an  I  had  horse 
and  armour.  Ye  shall  lack  none,  said  the  damosel.  Me- 
seemeth,  damosel,  I  should  have  seen  you  in  the  court  of 
Arthur.  Nay,  said  the  damosel,  I  came  never  there,  I  am 
the  lord's  daughter  of  this  castle.  Yet  was  she  false,  for  she 
was  one  of  the  damosels  of  Morgan  le  Fay. 

Anon  she  went  unto  Sir  Damas,  and  told  him  how  he 
would  do  battle  for  him,  and  so  he  sent  for  Arthur.  And 
when  he  came  he  was  well  coloured,  and  well  made  of  his 
limbs,  that  all  knights  that  saw  him  said  it  were  pity  that 
such  a  knight  should  die  in  prison.  So  Sir  Damas  and  he 
were  agreed  that  he  should  fight  for  him  upon  this  covenant, 
that  all  other  knights  should  be  delivered ;  and  unto  that 
was  Sir  Damas  sworn  unto  Arthur,  and  also  to  do  the  battle 
to  the  uttermost.  And  with  that  all  the  twenty  knights 
were  brought  out  of  the  dark  prison  into  the  hall,  and  de- 
livered, and  so  they  all  abode  to  see  the  battle. 

Now  turn  we  unto  Accolon  of  Gaul,  that  when  he  awoke 
he  found  himself  by  a  deep  well-side,  within  half  a  foot,  in 
great  peril  of  death.  And  there  came  out  of  that  fountain 
a  pipe  of  silver,  and  out  of  that  pipe  ran  water  all  on  high 


HOW  ARTHUR  AGREED  TO  FIGHT  37 

in  a  stone  of  marble.  When  Sir  Accolon  saw  this,  he  blessed 
him  and  said,  Jesus  save  my  lord  King  Arthur,  and  King 
Uriens,  for  these  damosels  in  this  ship  have  betrayed  us, 
they  were  devils  and  no  women ;  and  if  I  may  escape  this 
misadventure,  I  shall  destroy  all  where  I  may  find  these 
false  damosels  that  use  enchantments.  Right  with  that 
there  came  a  dwarf  with  a  great  mouth  and  a  flat  nose,  and 
saluted  Sir  Accolon,  and  said  how  he  came  from  Queen 
Morgan  le  Fay,  and  she  greeteth  you  well,  and  biddeth 
you  be  of  strong  heart,  for  ye  shall  fight  to-morrow  with 
a  knight  at  the  hour  of  prime,  and  therefore  she  hath  sent 
you  here  Excalibur,  Arthur's  sword,  and  the  scabbard,  and 
she  biddeth  you  as  ye  love  her,  that  ye  do  the  battle  to  the 
uttermost,  without  any  mercy,  like  as  ye  had  promised 
her  when  ye  spake  together  in  privity;  and  what  damosel 
that  bringeth  her  the  knight's  head,  which  ye  shall  fight 
withal,  she  will  make  her  a  queen.  Now  I  understand 
you  well,  said  Accolon,  I  shall  hold  that  I  have  promised 
her  now  I  have  the  sword :  when  saw  ye  my  Lady  Queen 
Morgan  le  Fay  ?  Right  late,  said  the  dwarf.  Then  Accolon 
took  him  in  his  arms  and  said,  Recommend  me  unto  my 
lady  queen,  and  tell  her  all  shall  be  done  that  I  have  promised 
her,  and  else  I  will  die  for  it.  Now  I  suppose,  said  Accolon, 
she  hath  made  all  these  crafts  and  enchantments  for  this 
battle.  Ye  may  well  believe  it,  said  the  dwarf.  Right 
so  there  came  a  knight  and  a  lady  with  six  squires,  and 
saluted  Accolon,  and  prayed  him  for  to  arise,  and  come 
and  rest  him  at  his  manor.  And  so  Accolon  mounted  upon 
a  void  horse,  and  went  with  the  knight  unto  a  fair  manor 
by  a  priory,  and  there  he  had  passing  good  cheer. 

Then   Sir   Damas   sent   unto   his   brother   Sir  Ontzlake, 


38  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

and  bade  make  him  ready  by  to-morn  at  the  hour  of  prime, 
and  to  be  in  the  field  to  fight  with  a  good  knight,  for  he 
had  found  a  good  knight  that  was  ready  to  do  battle  at  all 
points.  When  this  word  came  unto  Sir  Ontzlake  he  was 
passing  heavy,  for  he  was  wounded  a  little  to-fore  through 
both  his  thighs  with  a  spear,  and  made  great  dole ;  but  as 
he  was  wounded,  he  would  have  taken  the  battle  on  hand. 
So  it  happed  at  that  time,  by  the  means  of  Morgan  le  Fay, 
Accolon  was  with  Sir  Ontzlake  lodged  ;  and  when  he  heard 
of  that  battle,  and  how  Ontzlake  was  wounded,  he  said  that 
he  would  fight  for  him.  Because  Morgan  le  Fay  had  sent 
him  Excalibur  and  the  sheath  for  to  fight  with  the  knight 
on  the  morn :  this  was  the  cause  Sir  Accolon  took  the  battle 
on  hand.  Then  Sir  Ontzlake  was  passing  glad,  and  thanked 
Sir  Accolon  with  all  his  heart  that  he  would  do  so  much 
for  him.  And  therewithal  Sir  Ontzlake  sent  word  unto  his 
brother  Sir  Damas,  that  he  had  a  knight  that  for  him  should 
be  ready  in  the  field  by  the  hour  of  prime. 

So  on  the  morn  Sir  Arthur  was  armed  and  well  horsed, 
and  asked  Sir  Damas,  When  shall  we  to  the  field  ?  Sir, 
said  Sir  Damas,  ye  shall  hear  mass.  And  so  Arthur  heard 
a  mass,  and  when  mass  was  done  there  came  a  squire  on  a 
great  horse,  and  asked  Sir  Damas  if  his  knight  were  ready, 
for  our  knight  is  ready  in  the  field.  Then  Sir  Arthur 
mounted  upon  horseback,  and  there  were  all  the  knights 
and  commons  of  that  country ;  and  so  by  all  advices  there 
were  chosen  twelve  good  men  of  the  country  for  to  wait 
upon  the  two  knights.  And  right  as  Arthur  was  on  horse- 
back there  came  a  damosel  from  Morgan  le  Fay,  and  brought 
unto  Sir  Arthur  a  sword  like  unto  Excalibur,  and  the  scab- 
bard, and  said  unto  Arthur,  Morgan  le  Fay  sendeth  here 


HOW  ARTHUR   FOUGHT  ACCOLON  39 

your  sword  for  great  love.  And  he  thanked  her,  and  weened 
it  had  been  so ;  but  she  was  false,  for  the  sword  and  the 
scabbard  was  counterfeit,  and  brittle,  and  false, 

OF  THE  BATTLE  BETWEEN  KING  ARTHUR 
AND  ACCOLON,  AND  HOW  ACCOLON 
CONFESSED  THE  TREASON  OF  MORGAN 
LE  FAY.  And  then  they  dressed  them  on  both  parties  of 
the  field,  and  let  their  horses  run  so  fast  that  either  smote 
other  in  the  midst  of  the  shield  with  their  spear-heads,  that 
both  horse  and  man  went  to  the  earth  ;  and  then  they  started 
up  both,  and  pulled  out  their  swords.  The  meanwhile 
that  they  were  thus  at  the  battle,  came  the  Damosel  of  the 
Lake  into  the  field,  that  put  Merlin  under  the  stone ;  and 
she  came  thither  for  love  of  King  Arthur,  for  she  knew  how 
Morgan  le  Fay  had  so  ordained  that  King  Arthur  should 
have  been  slain  that  day,  and  therefore  she  came  to  save 
his  life.  And  so  they  went  eagerly  to  the  battle,  and  gave 
many  great  strokes,  but  always  Arthur's  sword  bit  not  like 
Accolon's  sword ;  but  for  the  most  part,  every  stroke  that 
Accolon  gave  he  wounded  sore  Arthur,  that  it  was  marvel 
he  stood,  and  always  his  blood  fell  from  him  fast. 

When  Arthur  beheld  the  ground  so  sore  be-bled  he 
was  dismayed,  and  then  he  deemed  treason  that  his  sword 
was  changed  ;  for  his  sword  bit  not  steel  as  it  was  wont  to 
do,  therefore  he  dreaded  him  sore  to  be  dead,  for  ever  him 
seemed  that  the  sword  in  Accolon's  hand  was  Excalibur, 
for  at  every  stroke  that  Accolon  struck  he  drew  blood  on 
Arthur.  Now,  knight,  said  Accolon  unto  Arthur,  keep 
thee  well  from  me ;  but  Arthur  answered  not  again,  and 
gave  him  such  a  buffet  on  the  helm  that  it  made  him  to 


40  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

stoop,  nigh  falling  down  to  the  earth.  Then  Sir  Accolon 
withdrew  him  a  little,  and  came  on  with  Excalibur  on  high, 
and  smote  Sir  Arthur  such  a  buffet  that  he  fell  nigh  to  the 
earth.  Then  were  they  wroth  both,  and  gave  each  other 
many  sore  strokes,  but  always  Sir  Arthur  lost  so  much 
blood  that  it  was  marvel  he  stood  on  his  feet,  but  he  was 
so  full  of  knighthood  that  knightly  he  endured  the  pain. 
Then  always  they  fought  together  as  fierce  knights,  and 
Sir  Arthur  withdrew  him  a  little  for  to  rest  him,  and  Sir 
Accolon  called  him  to  battle  and  said,  It  is  no  time  for  me 
to  suffer  thee  to  rest.  And  therewith  he  came  fiercely 
upon  Arthur,  and  Sir  Arthur  was  wroth  for  the  blood  that 
he  had  lost,  and  smote  Accolon  on  high  upon  the  helm,  so 
mightily,  that  he  made  him  nigh  to  fall  to  the  earth ;  and 
therewith  Arthur's  sword  brast  at  the  cross,  and  fell  in  the 
grass  among  the  blood,  and  the  pommel  and  the  sure  handles 
he  held  in  his  hands.  When  Sir  Arthur  saw  that,  he  was  in 
great  fear  to  die,  but  always  he  held  up  his  shield  and  lost  no 
ground,  nor  bated  no  cheer. 

Then  Sir  Accolon  began  with  words  of  treason,  and  said, 
Knight,  thou  art  overcome,  and  mayst  not  endure,  and 
also  thou  art  weaponless,  and  thou  hast  lost  much  of  thy 
blood,  and  I  am  full  loath  to  slay  thee,  therefore  yield  thee 
to  me  as  recreant.  Nay,  said  Sir  Arthur,  I  may  not  so, 
for  I  have  promised  to  do  the  battle  to  the  uttermost,  by 
the  faith  of  my  body,  while  me  lasteth  the  life,  and  there- 
fore I  had  liefer  to  die  with  honour  than  to  live  with  shame ; 
and  if  it  were  possible  for  me  to  die  an  hundred  times,  I 
had  liefer  to  die  so  oft  than  yield  me  to  thee ;  for  though 
I  lack  weapon,  I  shall  lack  no  worship,  and  if  thou  slay  me 
weaponless  that  shall  be  thy  shame.  Well,  said  Accolon, 


HOW  ARTHUR'S  SWORD  BRAKE      41 

as  for  the  shame  I  will  not  spare :  now  keep  thee  from  me, 
for  thou  art  but  a  dead  man.  And  therewith  Accolon  gave 
him  such  a  stroke  that  he  fell  nigh  to  the  earth,  and  would 
have  had  Arthur  to  have  cried  him  mercy.  But  Sir  Arthur 
pressed  unto  Accolon  with  his  shield,  and  gave  him  with  the 
pommel  in  his  hand  such  a  buffet  that  he  went  three  strides 
aback. 

When  the  Damosel  of  the  Lake  beheld  Arthur,  how 
full  of  prowess  his  body  was,  and  the  false  treason  that 
was  wrought  for  him  to  have  had  him  slain,  she  had  great 
pity  that  so  good  a  knight  and  such  a  man  of  worship  should 
so  be  destroyed.  And  at  the  next  stroke  Sir  Accolon 
struck  him  such  a  stroke  that  by  the  damosel's  enchantment 
the  sword  Excalibur  fell  out  of  Accolon's  hand  to  the  earth. 
And  therewithal  Sir  Arthur  lightly  leapt  to  it,  and  gat  it 
in  his  hand,  and  forthwithal  he  knew  that  it  was  his  sword 
Excalibur,  and  said,  Thou  hast  been  from  me  all  too  long, 
and  much  damage  hast  thou  done  me ;  and  therewith  he 
espied  the  scabbard  hanging  by  his  side,  and  suddenly  he 
sterte  to  him  and  pulled  the  scabbard  from  him,  and  threw 
it  from  him  as  far  as  he  might  throw  it.  O  knight,  said 
Arthur,  this  day  hast  thou  done  me  great  damage  with  this 
sword ;  now  are  ye  come  unto  your  death,  for  I  shall  not 
warrant  you  but  ye  shall  as  well  be  rewarded  with  this  sword, 
or  ever  we  depart,  as  thou  hast  rewarded  me ;  for  much 
pain  have  ye  made  me  to  endure,  and  much  blood  have  I 
lost.  And  therewith  Sir  Arthur  rushed  on  him  with  all  his 
might  and  pulled  him  to  the  earth,  and  then  rushed  off 
his  helm,  and  gave  him  such  a  buffet  on  the  head  that  the 
blood  came  out  at  his  ears,  his  nose,  and  his  mouth.  Now 
will  I  slay  thee,  said  Arthur.  Slay  me  ye  may  well,  said 


42  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

Accolon,  an  it  please  you,  for  ye  are  the  best  knight  that 
ever  I  found,  and  I  see  well  that  God  is  with  you.  But 
for  I  promised  to  do  this  battle,  said  Accolon,  to  the  utter- 
most, and  never  to  be  recreant  while  I  lived,  therefore  shall 
I  never  yield  me  with  my  mouth,  but  God  do  with  my  body 
what  he  will.  Then  Sir  Arthur  remembered  him,  and 
thought  he  should  have  seen  this  knight.  Now  tell  me, 
said  Arthur,  or  I  will  slay  thee,  of  what  country  art  thou, 
and  of  what  court  ?  Sir  Knight,  said  Sir  Accolon,  I  am  of 
the  court  of  King  Arthur,  and  my  name  is  Accolon  of  Gaul. 
Then  was  Arthur  more  dismayed  than  he  was  beforehand ; 
for  then  he  remembered  him  of  his  sister  Morgan  le  Fay,  and 
of  the  enchantment  of  the  ship.  O  sir  knight,  said  he,  I  pray 
you  tell  me  who  gave  you  this  sword,  and  by  whom  ye  had  it. 
Then  Sir  Accolon  bethought  him,  and  said,  Woe  worth 
this  sword,  for  by  it  have  I  got  my  death.  It  may  well 
be,  said  the  king.  Now,  sir,  said  Accolon,  I  will  tell  you ; 
this  sword  hath  been  in  my  keeping  the  most  part  of  this 
twelvemonth ;  and  Morgan  le  Fay,  King  Uriens'  wife, 
sent  it  me  yesterday  by  a  dwarf,  to  this  intent,  that  I  should 
slay  King  Arthur,  her  brother.  For  ye  shall  understand 
King  Arthur  is  the  man  in  the  world  that  she  most  hateth, 
because  he  is  most  of  worship  and  of  prowess  of  any  of  her 
blood ;  also  she  loveth  me  out  of  measure  as  paramour, 
and  I  her  again ;  and  if  she  might  bring  about  to  slay 
Arthur  by  her  crafts,  she  would  slay  her  husband  King 
Uriens  lightly,  and  then  had  she  me  devised  to  be  king  in 
this  land,  and  so  to  reign,  and  she  to  be  my  queen ;  but 
that  is  now  done,  said  Accolon,  for  I  am  sure  of  my  death. 
Well,  said  Sir  Arthur,  I  feel  by  you  ye  would  have  been 
king  in  this  land.  It  had  been  great  damage  to  have  de- 


HOW  ACCOLON  CONFESSED  TREASON        43 

stroyed  your  lord,  said  Arthur.  It  is  truth,  said  Accolon, 
but  now  I  have  told  you  truth,  wherefore  I  pray  you  tell 
me  of  whence  ye  are,  and  of  what  court  ?  O  Accolon,  said 
King  Arthur,  now  I  let  thee  wit  that  I  am  King  Arthur, 
to  whom  thou  hast  done  great  damage.  When  Accolon 
heard  that  he  cried  aloud,  Fair,  sweet  lord,  have  mercy 
on  me,  for  I  knew  not  you.  O  Sir  Accolon,  said  King 
Arthur,  mercy  shalt  thou  have,  because  I  feel  by  thy  words 
at  this  time  thou  knewest  not  my  person ;  but  I  understand 
well  by  thy  words  that  thou  hast  agreed  to  the  death  of  my 
person,  and  therefore  thou  art  a  traitor ;  but  I  wite  thee 
the  less,  for  my  sister  Morgan  le  Fay  by  her  false  crafts 
made  thee  to  agree  and  consent  to  her  false  lusts,  but  I  shall 
be  sore  avenged  upon  her  an  I  live,  that  all  Christendom 
shall  speak  of  it ;  God  knoweth  I  have  honoured  her  and 
worshipped  her  more  than  all  my  kin,  and  more  have  I 
trusted  her  than  mine  own  wife  and  all  my  kin  after. 

Then  Sir  Arthur  called  the  keepers  of  the  field,  and 
said,  Sirs,  come  hither,  for  here  are  we  two  knights  that 
have  fought  unto  a  great  damage  unto  us  both,  and  like 
each  one  of  us  to  have  slain  other,  if  it  had  happed  so ;  and 
had  any  of  us  known  other,  here  had  been  no  battle,  nor 
stroke  stricken.  Then  all  aloud  cried  Accolon  unto  all 
the  knights  and  men  that  were  then  there  gathered  together, 
and  said  to  them  in  this  manner,  O  lords,  this  noble  knight 
that  I  have  fought  withal,  the  which  me  sore  repenteth,  is 
the  most  man  of  prowess,  of  manhood,  and  of  worship  in 
the  world,  for  it  is  himself  King  Arthur,  our  alther  liege 
lord,  and  with  mishap  and  with  misadventure  have  I  done 
this  battle  with  the  king  and  lord  that  I  am  holden  withal. 

Then  all  the  people  fell  down  on  their  knees  and  cried 


44  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

King  Arthur  mercy.  Mercy  shall  ye  have,  said  Arthur: 
here  may  ye  see  what  adventures  befall  ofttime  of  errant 
knights,  how  that  I  have  fought  with  a  knight  of  mine  own 
unto  my  great  damage  and  his  both.  But,  sirs,  because  I 
am  sore  hurt,  and  he  both,  and  I  had  great  need  of  a  little 
rest,  ye  shall  understand  the  opinion  betwixt  you  two 
brethren:  As  to  thee,  Sir  Damas,  for  whom  I  have  been 
champion  and  won  the  field  of  this  knight,  yet  will  I  judge, 
because  ye,  Sir  Damas,  are  called  an  orgulous  knight,  and 
full  of  villainy  and  not  worth  of  prowess  of  your  deeds,  there- 
fore I  will  that  ye  give  unto  your  brother  all  the  whole  manor 
with  the  appurtenance,  under  this  form,  that  Sir  Ontzlake 
hold  the  manor  of  you,  and  yearly  to  give  you  a  palfrey 
to  ride  upon,  for  that  will  become  you  better  to  ride  on 
than  upon  a  courser.  Also  I  charge  thee,  Sir  Damas,  upon 
pain  of  death,  that  thou  never  distress  no  knights  errant 
that  ride  on  their  adventure.  And  also  that  thou  restore 
these  twenty  knights  that  thou  hast  long  kept  prisoners, 
of  all  their  harness,  that  they  be  content  for;  and  if  any 
of  them  come  to  my  court  and  complain  of  thee,  by  my 
head  thou  shalt  die  therefore.  Also,  Sir  Ontzlake,  as  to 
you,  because  ye  are  named  a  good  knight,  and  full  of  prow- 
ess, and  true  and  gentle  in  all  your  deeds,  this  shall  be  your 
charge  I  will  give  you,  that  in  all  goodly  haste  ye  come  unto 
me  and  my  court,  and  ye  shall  be  a  knight  of  mine,  and 
if  your  deeds  be  thereafter  I  shall  so  prefer  you,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  that  ye  shall  in  short  time  be  in  ease  for  to  live  as 
worshipfully  as  your  brother  Sir  Damas.  God  thank  your 
largeness  of  your  goodness  and  of  your  bounty,  I  shall  be 
from  henceforward  at  all  times  at  your  commandment, 
said  Sir  Ontzlake.  Now,  tell  me,  said  Arthur,  how  far 


HOW  SIR  ACCOLON  DIED  45 

am  I  from  Camelot  ?  Sir,  ye  are  two  days'  journey  there- 
from. I  would  fain  be  at  some  place  of  worship,  said  Sir 
Arthur,  that  I  might  rest  me.  Sir,  said  Sir  Ontzlake,  hereby 
is  a  rich  abbey  of  your  elders'  foundation,  of  nuns,  but  three 
miles  hence.  So  the  king  took  his  leave  of  all  the  people, 
and  mounted  upon  horseback,  and  Sir  Accolon  with  him. 
And  when  they  were  come  to  the  abbey,  he  let  fetch  leeches 
and  search  his  wounds  and  Accolon's  both ;  but  Sir  Accolon 
died  within  four  days,  for  he  had  bled  so  much  blood  that 
he  might  not  live,  but  King  Arthur  was  well  recovered.  So 
when  Accolon  was  dead  he  let  send  him  on  an  horse-bier 
with  six  knights  unto  Camelot,  and  said :  Bear  him  to  my 
sister  Morgan  le  Fay,  and  say  that  I  send  her  him  to  a 
present,  and  tell  her  I  have  my  sword  Excalibur  and  the 
scabbard ;  so  they  departed  with  the  body. 

HOW  QUEEN  MORGAN  LE 
FAY  MADE  GREAT  SORROW 
FOR  THE  DEATH  OF  ACCO- 
LON, AND  HOW  SHE  STOLE 
AWAY  THE  SCABBARD  FROM 
ARTHUR,  AND  OF  THE 
MANTLE  SHE  SENT  TO  HIM.  Then  came  tidings 
unto  Morgan  le  Fay  that  Accolon  was  dead,  and  his  body 
brought  unto  the  church,  and  how  King  Arthur  had  his 
sword  again.  But  when  Queen  Morgan  wist  that  Accolon 
was  dead,  she  was  so  sorrowful  that  near  her  heart  to-brast. 
But  because  she  would  not  it  were  known,  outward  she  kept 
her  countenance,  and  made  no  semblant  of  sorrow.  But  well 
she  wist  an  she  abode  till  her  brother  Arthur  came  thither, 
there  should  no  gold  go  for  her  life. 


46  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

So  early  on  the  morn,  or  it  was  day,  she  took  her  horse 
and  rode  all  that  day  and  most  part  of  the  night,  and  on  the 
morn  by  noon  she  came  to  the  same  abbey  of  nuns  whereas 
lay  King  Arthur ;  and  she  knowing  he  was  there,  asked 
where  he  was.  And  they  answered  how  he  had  laid  him 
in  his  bed  to  sleep,  for  he  had  had  but  little  rest  these  three 
nights.  Well,  said  she,  I  charge  you  that  none  of  you  awake 
him  till  I  do,  and  then  she  alighted  off  her  horse,  and  thought 
for  to  steal  away  Excalibur  his  sword,  and  so  she  went 
straight  unto  his  chamber,  and  no  man  durst  disobey  her 
commandment,  and  there  she  found  Arthur  asleep  in  his 
bed,  and  Excalibur  in  his  right  hand  naked.  When  she 
saw  that  she  was  passing  heavy  that  she  might  not  come 
by  the  sword  without  she  had  awaked  him,  and  then  she 
wist  well  she  had  been  dead.  Then  she  took  the  scabbard 
and  went  her  way  on  horseback.  When  the  king  awoke 
and  missed  his  scabbard,  he  was  wroth,  and  he  asked  who 
had  been  there,  and  they  said  his  sister,  Queen  Morgan,  had 
been  there,  and  had  put  the  scabbard  under  her  mantle 
and  was  gone.  Alas,  said  Arthur,  falsely  ye  have  watched 
me.  Sir,  said  they  all,  we  durst  not  disobey  your  sister's 
commandment.  Ah,  said  the  king,  let  fetch  the  best  horse 
may  be  found,  and  bid  Sir  Ontzlake  arm  him  in  all  haste, 
and  take  another  good  horse  and  ride  with  me.  So  anon 
the  king  and  Ontzlake  were  well  armed,  and  rode  after 
this  lady,  and  so  they  came  by  a  cross  and  found  a  cowherd, 
and  they  asked  the  poor  man  if  there  came  any  lady  riding 
that  way.  Sir,  said  this  poor  man,  right  late  came  a  lady 
riding  with  a  forty  horses,  and  to  yonder  forest  she  rode. 
Then  they  spurred  their  horses,  and  followed  fast,  and 
within  a  while  Arthur  had  a  sight  of  Morgan  le  Fay ;  then 


i  r  CHp.  RTT*  . 

HORSE-ANP-A\AN-BY-  ENCHANTMEN't-UNTO  A'GK 
TtWF 


MORGAN  LE   FAY'S  TREASON  47 

he  chased  as  fast  as  he  might.  When  she  espied  him  follow- 
ing her,  she  rode  a  greater  pace  through  the  forest  till  she 
came  to  a  plain,  and  when  she  saw  she  might  not  escape, 
she  rode  unto  a  lake  thereby,  and  said,  Whatsoever  come 
of  me,  my  brother  shall  not  have  this  scabbard.  And  then 
she  let  throw  the  scabbard  in  the  deepest  of  the  water  so  it 
sank,  for  it  was  heavy  of  gold  and  precious  stones. 

Then  she  rode  into  a  valley  where  many  great  stones 
were,  and  when  she  saw  she  must  be  overtaken,  she  shaped 
herself,  horse  and  man,  by  enchantment  unto  a  great 
marble  stone.  Anon  withal  came  Sir  Arthur  and  Sir 
Ontzlake  whereas  the  king  might  know  his  sister  and  her 
men,  and  one  knight  from  another.  Ah,  said  the  king, 
here  may  ye  see  the  vengeance  of  God,  and  now  am  I 
sorry  that  this  misadventure  is  befallen.  And  then  he 
looked  for  the  scabbard,  but  it  would  not  be  found,  so  he 
returned  to  the  abbey  where  he  came  from.  So  when 
Arthur  was  gone  she  turned  all  into  the  likeliness  as  she 
and  they  were  before,  and  said,  Sirs,  now  may  we  go  where 
we  will.  And  so  she  departed  into  the  country  of  Gore, 
and  there  was  she  richly  received,  and  made  her  castles 
and  towns  passing  strong,  for  always  she  dreaded  much 
King  Arthur. 

When  the  king  had  well  rested  him  at  the  abbey,  he 
rode  unto  Camelot,  and  found  his  queen  and  his  barons 
right  glad  of  his  coming.  And  when  they  heard  of  his 
strange  adventures  as  is  afore  rehearsed,  then  all  had  marvel 
of  the  falsehood  of  Morgan  le  Fay ;  many  knights  wished 
her  burnt.  So  on  the  morn  there  came  a  damosel  from 
Morgan  to  the  king,  and  she  brought  with  her  the  richest 
mantle  that  ever  was  seen  in  that  court,  for  it  was  set  as 


48  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

full  of  precious  stones  as  one  might  stand  by  another,  and 
there  were  the  richest  stones  that  ever  the  king  saw.  And 
the  damosel  said,  Your  sister  sendeth  you  this  mantle,  and 
desireth  that  ye  should  take  this  gift  of  her;  and  in  what 
thing  she  hath  offended  you,  she  will  amend  it  at  your  own 
pleasure.  When  the  king  beheld  this  mantle  it  pleased 
him  much,  but  he  said  but  little. 

With  that  came  the  Damosel  of  the  Lake  unto  the  king, 
and  said,  Sir,  I  must  speak  with  you  in  privity.  Say  on, 
said  the  king,  what  ye  will.  Sir,  said  the  damosel,  put  not 
on  you  this  mantle  till  ye  have  seen  more,  and  in  no  wise 
let  it  not  come  on  you,  nor  on  no  knight  of  yours,  till  ye 
command  the  bringer  thereof  to  put  it  upon  her.  Well, 
said  King  Arthur,  it  shall  be  done  as  ye  counsel  me.  And 
then  he  said  unto  the  damosel  that  came  from  his  sister, 
Damosel,  this  mantle  that  ye  have  brought  me,  I  will  see 
it  upon  you.  Sir,  she  said,  It  will  not  beseem  me  to  wear 
a  king's  garment.  By  my  head,  said  Arthur,  ye  shall  wear 
it  ere  it  come  on  my  back,  or  any  man's  that  here  is.  And 
so  the  king  made  it  to  be  put  upon  her,  and  forthwithal 
she  fell  down  dead,  and  never  more  spake  word  after  and 
burnt  to  coals.  Then  was  the  king  wonderly  wroth,  more 
than  he  was  to-forehand,  and  said  unto  King  Uriens,  My 
sister,  your  wife,  is  alway  about  to  betray  me,  and  well  I 
wot  either  ye,  or  my  nephew,  your  son,  is  of  counsel  with 
her  to  have  me  destroyed ;  but  as  for  you,  said  the  king 
to  King  Uriens,  I  deem  not  greatly  that  ye  be  of  her  counsel, 
for  Accolon  confessed  to  me  by  his  own  mouth,  that  she 
would  have  destroyed  you  as  well  as  me,  therefore  I  hold 
you  excused  ;  but  as  for  your  son,  Sir  Uwaine,  I  hold  him 
suspect,  therefore  I  charge  you  put  him  out  of  my  court. 


HOW  ARTHUR  WAS  SAVED  FROM   BURNING    49 

So  Sir  Uwaine  was  discharged.  And  when  Sir  Gawaine 
wist  that,  he  made  him  ready  to  go  with  him ;  and  said, 
Whoso  banisheth  my  cousin-germain  shall  banish  me.  So 
they  two  departed. 


OF   SIR    LAUNCELOT 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  LIONEL 
DEPARTED  FROM  THE  COURT,  AND  HOW 
SIR  LIONEL  WAS  TAKEN,  AND  HOW  FOUR 
QUEENS  FOUND  SIR  LAUNCELOT  SLEEPING  AND 
LED  HIM  TO  A  CASTLE.  Then  all  the  knights  of 
the  Table  Round  resorted  unto  the  king,  and  made  many 
jousts  and  tournaments,  and  some  there  were  that  were 
but  knights,  which  increased  so  in  arms  and  worship  that 
they  passed  all  their  fellows  in  prowess  and  noble  deeds, 
and  that  was  well  proved  on  many;  but  in  especial  it 
was  proved  on  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  for  in  all  tourna- 
ments and  jousts  and  deeds  of  arms,  both  for  life  and  death, 
he  passed  all  other  knights,  and  at  no  time  he  was  never 
overcome  but  if  it  were  by  treason  or  enchantment.  Where- 
fore Queen  Guenever  had  him  in  great  favour  above  all 
other  knights,  and  in  certain  he  loved  the  queen  again  above 
all  other  ladies  and  damosels  of  his  life. 

Thus  Sir  Launcelot  rested  him  long  with  play  and 
game.  And  then  he  thought  himself  to  prove  himself  in 
strange  adventures ;  then  he  bade  his  nephew,  Sir  Lionel, 
for  to  make  him  ready,  for  we  two  will  seek  adventures. 

so 


OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND   SIR   LIONEL        51 

So  they  mounted  on  their  horses,  armed  at  all  rights,  and 
rode  into  a  deep  forest  and  so  into  a  deep  plain.  And  then 
the  weather  was  hot  about  noon,  and  Sir  Launcelot  had 
great  lust  to  sleep.  Then  Sir  Lionel  espied  a  great  apple- 
tree  that  stood  by  an  hedge,  and  said,  Brother,  yonder  is 
a  fair  shadow,  there  may  we  rest  us  and  our  horses.  It 
is  well  said,  fair  brother,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  this  eight 
year  I  was  not  so  sleepy  as  I  am  now ;  and  so  they  there 
alighted  and  tied  their  horses  unto  sundry  trees,  and  so  Sir 
Launcelot  laid  him  down  under  an  apple-tree,  and  his  helm 
he  laid  under  his  head.  And  Sir  Lionel  waked  while  he 
slept.  So  Sir  Launcelot  was  asleep  passing  fast. 

And  in  the  meanwhile  there  came  three  knights  riding, 
as  fast  fleeing  as  ever  they  might  ride.  And  there  followed 
them  three  but  one  knight.  And  when  Sir  Lionel  saw  him, 
him  thought  he  saw  never  so  great  a  knight,  nor  so  well 
faring  a  man,  neither  so  well  apparelled  unto  all  rights. 
So  within  a  while  this  strong  knight  had  overtaken  one  of 
these  knights,  and  there  he  smote  him  to  the  cold  earth 
that  he  lay  still.  And  then  he  rode  unto  the  second  knight, 
and  smote  him  so  that  man  and  horse  fell  down.  And  then 
straight  to  the  third  knight  he  rode,  and  smote  him  behind 
his  horse's  arse  a  spear  length.  And  then  he  alighted  down 
and  reined  his  horse  on  the  bridle,  and  bound  all  the  three 
knights  fast  with  the  reins  of  their  own  bridles.  When 
Sir  Lionel  saw  him  do  thus,  he  thought  to  assay  him,  and 
made  him  ready,  and  stilly  and  privily  he  took  his  horse, 
and  thought  not  for  to  awake  Sir  Launcelot.  And  when 
he  was  mounted  upon  his  horse,  he  overtook  this  strong 
knight,  and  bade  him  turn,  and  the  other  smote  Sir  Lionel 
so  hard  that  horse  and  man  he  bare  to  the  earth,  and  so 


52  OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT 

he  alighted  down  and  bound  him  fast,  and  threw  him  over- 
thwart  his  own  horse,  and  so  he  served  them  all  four,  and 
rode  with  them  away  to  his  own  castle.  And  when  he  came 
there  he  gart  unarm  them,  and  beat  them  with  thorns  all 
naked,  and  after  put  them  in  a  deep  prison  where  were  many 
more  knights,  that  made  great  dolour. 

Now  leave  we  these  knights  prisoners,  and  speak  we  of 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  that  lieth  under  the  apple-tree  sleep- 
ing. Even  about  the  noon  there  came  by  him  four  queens 
of  great  estate ;  and,  for  the  heat  should  not  annoy  them, 
there  rode  four  knights  about  them,  and  bare  a  cloth  of 
green  silk  on  four  spears,  betwixt  them  and  the  sun,  and 
the  queens  rode  on  four  white  mules.  Thus  as  they  rode 
they  heard  by  them  a  great  horse  grimly  neigh ;  then  were 
they  ware  of  a  sleeping  knight,  that  lay  all  armed  under  an 
apple-tree ;  anon  as  these  queens  looked  on  his  face,  they 
knew  it  was  Sir  Launcelot.  Then  they  began  for  to  strive 
for  that  knight,  everych  one  said  they  would  have  him  to 
her  love.  We  shall  not  strive,  said  Morgan  le  Fay,  that 
was  King  Arthur's  sister,  I  shall  put  an  enchantment  upon 
him  that  he  shall  not  awake  in  six  hours,  and  then  I  will 
lead  him  away  unto  my  castle,  and  when  he  is  surely  within 
my  hold,  I  shall  take  the  enchantment  from  him,  and  then 
let  him  choose  which  of  us  he  will  have  for  his  love. 

So  this  enchantment  was  cast  upon  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
then  they  laid  him  upon  his  shield,  and  bare  him  so  on  horse- 
back betwixt  two  knights,  and  brought  him  unto  the  castle 
Chariot,  and  there  they  laid  him  in  a  chamber  cold,  and 
at  night  they  sent  unto  him  a  fair  damosel  with  his  supper 
ready  dight.  By  that  the  enchantment  was  past,  and 
when  she  came  she  saluted  him,  and  asked  him  what  cheer. 


OF  FOUR  QUEENS  AND   SIR  LAUNCELOT     53 

I  cannot  say,  fair  damosel,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  I  wot 
not  how  I  came  into  this  castle  but  it  be  by  an  enchant- 
ment. Sir,  said  she,  ye  must  make  good  cheer,  and  if  ye 
be  such  a  knight  as  it  is  said  ye  be,  I  shall  tell  you  more 
to-morn  by  prime  of  the  day.  Gramercy,  fair  damosel, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  of  your  good  will  I  require  you.  And 
so  she  departed.  And  there  he  lay  all  that  night  without 
comfort  of  anybody.  And  on  the  morn  early  came  these 
four  queens,  passingly  well  beseen,  all  they  bidding  him 
good  morn,  and  he  them  again. 

Sir  knight,  the  four  queens  said,  thou  must  understand 
thou  art  our  prisoner,  and  we  here  know  thee  well  that  thou 
art  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  King  Ban's  son,  and  because 
we  understand  your  worthiness,  that  thou  art  the  noblest 
knight  living,  and  as  we  know  well  there  can  no  lady  have 
thy  love  but  one,  and  that  is  Queen  Guenever,  and  now 
thou  shalt  lose  her  for  ever,  and  she  thee,  and  therefore 
thee  behoveth  now  to  choose  one  of  us  four.  I  am  the 
Queen  Morgan  le  Fay,  queen  of  the  land  of  Gore,  and  here 
is  the  queen  of  Northgalis,  and  the  queen  of  Eastland,  and 
the  queen  of  the  Out  Isles ;  now  choose  one  of  us  which 
thou  wilt  have  to  thy  love,  or  else  in  this  prison  to  die.  This 
is  an  hard  case,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  either  I  must  die 
or  else  choose  one  of  you,  yet  I  had  liefer  to  die  in  this  prison 
with  worship,  than  to  have  one  of  you  to  my  love  maugre 
my  head.  And  therefore  ye  be  answered,  I  will  none  of  you, 
for  ye  be  false  enchantresses,  and  as  for  my  lady,  Dame 
Guenever,  were  I  at  my  liberty  as  I  was,  I  would  prove  it 
on  you  or  on  yours,  that  she  is  the  truest  lady  unto  her  lord 
living.  Well,  said  the  queens,  is  this  your  answer,  that 
ye  will  refuse  us?  Yea,  on  my  life,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 


54  OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT 

refused  ye  be  of  me.     So  they  departed  and  left  him  there 
alone  that  made  great  sorrow. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  DELIVERED  BY 
THE  MEAN  OF  A  DAMOSEL,  AND  FOUGHT 
FOR  HER  FATHER,  KING  BAGDEMA- 
GUS,  IN  A  TOURNAMENT.  Right  so  at  the  noon 
came  the  damosel  unto  him  with  his  dinner,  and  asked  him 
what  cheer.  Truly,  fair  damosel,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  in 
my  life  days  never  so  ill.  Sir,  she  said,  that  me  repenteth, 
but  an  ye  will  be  ruled  by  me,  I  shall  help  you  out  of  this 
distress,  and  ye  shall  have  no  shame  nor  villainy,  so  that  ye 
hold  me  a  promise.  Fair  damosel,  I  will  grant  you,  and  sore 
I  am  of  these  queen-sorceresses  afeard,  for  they  have  de- 
stroyed many  a  good  knight.  Sir,  said  she,  that  is  sooth, 
and  for  the  renown  and  bounty  that  they  hear  of  you  they 
would  have  your  love,  and  Sir,  they  say,  your  name  is  Sir 
Launcelot  du  Lake,  the  flower  of  knights,  and  they  be  pass- 
ing wroth  with  you  that  ye  have  refused  them.  But  Sir,  an 
ye  would  promise  me  to  help  my  father  on  Tuesday  next 
coming,  that  hath  made  a  tournament  betwixt  him  and  the 
King  of  Northgalis  —  for  the  last  Tuesday  past  my  father 
lost  the  field  through  three  knights  of  Arthur's  court  —  an 
ye  will  be  there  on  Tuesday  next  coming,  and  help  my  father, 
to-morn  ere  prime,  by  the  grace  of  God,  I  shall  deliver  you 
clean.  Fair  maiden,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  tell  me  what  is  your 
father's  name,  and  then  shall  I  give  3^ou  an  answer.  Sir 
knight,  she  said,  my  father  is  King  Bagdemagus,  that  was 
foul  rebuked  at  the  last  tournament.  I  know  your  father 
well,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  a  noble  king  and  a  good  knight, 
and  by  the  faith  of  my  body,  ye  shall  have  my  body  ready 


HOW  A  DAMOSEL  RELEASED   LAUNCELOT    55 

to  do  your  father  and  you  service  at  that  day.  Sir,  she 
said,  gramercy,  and  to-morn  await  ye  be  ready  betimes,  and 
I  shall  be  she  that  shall  deliver  you  and  take  you  your 
armour  and  your  horse,  shield  and  spear,  and  hereby, 
within  this  ten  mile,  is  an  abbey  of  white  monks,  there  I 
pray  you  that  ye  me  abide,  and  thither  shall  I  bring  my 
father  unto  you.  All  this  shall  be  done,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
as  I  am  true  knight. 

And  so  she  departed,  and  came  on  the  morn  early,  and 
found  him  ready;  then  she  brought  him  out  of  twelve 
locks,  and  brought  him  unto  his  armour,  and  when  he  was 
clean  armed,  she  brought  him  until  his  own  horse,  and 
lightly  he  saddled  him  and  took  a  great  spear  in  his  hand, 
and  so  rode  forth,  and  said,  Fair  damosel,  I  shall  not  fail 
you,  by  the  grace  of  God.  And  so  he  rode  in  a  great  forest 
all  that  day  and  never  could  find  no  highway,  but  the  next 
day  he  came  to  the  abbey. 

And  soon  as  Sir  Launcelot  came  within  the  abbey  yard, 
the  daughter  of  King  Bagdemagus  heard  a  great  horse  go 
on  the  pavement.  And  she  then  arose  and  went  unto  a 
window,  and  there  she  saw  Sir  Launcelot,  and  anon  she 
made  men  fast  to  take  his  horse  from  him  and  let  lead  him 
into  a  stable,  and  himself  was  led  into  a  fair  chamber,  and 
unarmed  him,  and  the  lady  sent  him  a  long  gown,  and  anon 
she  came  herself.  And  then  she  made  Launcelot  passing 
good  cheer,  and  she  said  he  was  the  knight  in  the  world 
was  most  welcome  to  her.  Then  in  all  haste  she  sent  for 
her  father  Bagdemagus  that  was  within  twelve  mile  of  that 
Abbey,  and  afore  even  he  came,  with  a  fair  fellowship  of 
knights  with  him.  And  when  the  king  was  alighted  off 
his  horse  he  went  straight  unto  Sir  Launcelot's  chamber 


$6  OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT 

and  there  he  found  his  daughter,  and  then  the  king  embraced 
Sir  Launcelot  in  his  arms,  and  either  made  other  good  cheer. 

Anon  Sir  Launcelot  made  his  complaint  unto  the  king 
how  he  was  betrayed,  and  how  his  brother  Sir  Lionel  was 
departed  from  him  he  wist  not  where,  and  how  his  daughter 
had  delivered  him  out  of  prison ;  Therefore  while  I  live 
I  shall  do  her  service  and  all  her  kindred.  Then  am  I  sure 
of  your  help,  said  the  king,  on  Tuesday  next  coming.  Yea, 
sir,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  shall  not  fail  you,  for  so  I  have 
promised  my  lady  your  daughter.  But,  sir,  what  knights 
be  they  of  my  lord  Arthur's  that  were  with  the  King  of 
Northgalis  ?  And  the  king  said  it  was  Sir  Mador  de  la 
Porte,  and  Sir  Mordred  and  Sir  Gahalantine  that  all  for- 
fared  my  knights,  for  against  them  three  I  nor  my  knights 
might  bear  no  strength.  Sir,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  as  I  hear 
say  that  the  tournament  shall  be  here  within  this  three  mile 
of  this  abbey,  ye  shall  send  unto  me  three  knights  of  yours, 
such  as  ye  trust,  and  look  that  the  three  knights  have  all 
white  shields,  and  I  also,  and  no  painture  on  the  shields, 
and  we  four  will  come  out  of  a  little  wood  in  midst  of  both 
parties,  and  we  shall  fall  in  the  front  of  our  enemies  and 
grieve  them  that  we  may;  and  thus  shall  I  not  be  known 
what  knight  I  am. 

So  they  took  their  rest  that  night,  and  this  was  on  the 
Sunday,  and  so  the  king  departed,  and  sent  unto  Sir  Launce- 
lot three  knights  with  the  four  white  shields.  And  on  the 
Tuesday  they  lodged  them  in  a  little  leaved  wood  beside 
there  the  tournament  should  be.  And  there  were  scaffolds 
and  holes  that  lords  and  ladies  might  behold  and  to  give 
the  prize.  Then  came  into  the  field  the  King  of  North- 
galis with  eight  score  helms.  And  then  the  three  knights 


SIR  LAUNCELOT  IN  A  TOURNAMENT         57 

of  Arthur's  stood  by  themselves.  Then  came  into  the  field 
King  Bagdemagus  with  four  score  of  helms.  And  then 
they  feutred  their  spears,  and  came  together  with  a  great 
dash,  and  there  were  slain  of  knights  at  the  first  recounter 
twelve  of  King  Bagdemagus'  party,  and  six  of  the  King  of 
Northgalis'  party,  and  King  Bagdemagus'  party  was  far 
set  aback. 

With  that  came  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  he  thrust  in 
with  his  spear  in  the  thickest  of  the  press,  and  there  he  smote 
down  with  one  spear  five  knights,  and  of  four  of  them  he 
brake  their  backs.  And  in  that  throng  he  smote  down  the 
king  of  Northgalis,  and  brake  his  thigh  in  that  fall.  All 
this  doing  of  Sir  Launcelot  saw  the  three  knights  of  Arthur's. 
Yonder  is  a  shrewd  guest,  said  Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte,  there- 
fore have  here  once  at  him.  So  they  encountered,  and  Sir 
Launcelot  bare  him  down  horse  and  man,  so  that  his  shoul- 
der went  out  of  lith.  Now  befalleth  it  to  me  to  joust,  said 
Mordred,  for  Sir  Mador  hath  a  sore  fall.  Sir  Launcelot  was 
ware  of  him,  and  gat  a  great  spear  in  his  hand,  and  met  him, 
and  Sir  Mordred  brake  a  spear  upon  him,  and  Sir  Launcelot 
gave  him  such  a  buffet  that  the  arson  of  his  saddle  brake, 
and  so  he  flew  over  his  horse's  tail,  that  his  helm  butted  into 
the  earth  a  foot  and  more,  that  nigh  his  neck  was  broken, 
and  there  he  lay  long  in  a  swoon. 

Then  came  in  Sir  Gahalantine  with  a  great  spear  and 
Launcelot  against  him,  with  all  their  strength  that  they 
might  drive,  that  both  their  spears  to-brast  even  to  their 
hands,  and  then  they  flang  out  with  their  swords  and  gave 
many  a  grim  stroke.  Then  was  Sir  Launcelot  wroth  out 
of  measure,  and  then  he  smote  Sir  Gahalantine  on  the  helm 
that  his  nose  brast  out  on  blood,  and  ears  and  mouth  both, 


S8  OF   SIR  LAUNCELOT 

and  therewith  his  head  hung  low.  And  therewith  his  horse 
ran  away  with  him,  and  he  fell  down  to  the  earth.  Anon 
therewithal  Sir  Launcelot  gat  a  great  spear  in  his  hand, 
and  or  ever  that  great  spear  brake,  he  bare  down  to  the 
earth  sixteen  knights,  some  horse  and  man,  and  some  the 
man  and  not  the  horse,  and  there  was  none  but  that  he 
hit  surely,  he  bare  none  arms  that  day.  And  then  he  gat 
another  great  spear,  and  smote  down  twelve  knights,  and 
the  most  part  of  them  never  throve  after.  And  then  the 
knights  of  the  King  of  Northgalis  would  joust  no  more. 
And  there  the  gree  was  given  to  King  Bagdemagus. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  FOUGHT  WITH 
SIR  TURQUINE  AND  SLEW  HIM,  AND 
SENT  SIR  GAHERIS  TO  DELIVER  ALL 
SIR  TURQUINE'S  PRISONERS.  So  either 
party  departed  unto  his  own  place,  and  Sir 
Launcelot  rode  forth  with  King  Bagdemagus  unto  his  castle, 
and  there  he  had  passing  good  cheer  both  with  the  king 
and  with  his  daughter,  and  they  proffered  him  great  gifts. 
And  on  the  morn  he  took  his  leave,  and  told  the  king  that 
he  would  go  and  seek  his  brother  Sir  Lionel,  that  went  from 
him  when  that  he  slept ;  so  he  took  his  horse,  and  betaught 
them  all  to  God.  And  there  he  said  unto  the  king's  daughter, 
If  ye  have  need  any  time  of  my  service  I  pray  you  let  me 
have  knowledge,  and  I  shall  not  fail  you  as  I  am  true  knight. 
And  so  Sir  Launcelot  departed,  and  by  adventure  he  came 
into  the  same  forest  there  he  was  taken  sleeping.  And  in 
the  midst  of  a  highway  he  met  a  damosel  riding  on  a 
white  palfrey,  and  there  either  saluted  other.  Fair  damosel, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  know  ye  in  this  country  any  adventures  ? 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  FOUGHT  SIR  TURQUINE    59 

Sir  knight,  said  that  damosel,  here  are  adventures  near  hand, 
an  thou  durst  prove  them.  Why  should  I  not  prove  adven- 
tures ?  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  that  cause  ycome  I  hither. 
Well,  said  she,  thou  seemest  well  to  be  a  good  knight,  and  if 
thou  dare  meet  with  a  good  knight,  I  shall  bring  thee  where 
is  the  best  knight,  and  the  mightiest  that  ever  thou  found,  so 
thou  wilt  tell  me  what  is  thy  name,  and  what  knight  thou 
art.  Damosel,  as  for  to  tell  thee  my  name  I  take  no  great 
force ;  truly  my  name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  Sir,  thou 
beseemest  well,  here  be  adventures  by  that  fall  for  thee,  for 
hereby  dwelleth  a  knight  that  will  not  be  overmatched  for 
no  man  I  know  but  ye  overmatch  him,  and  his  name  is  Sir 
Turquine.  And,  as  I  understand,  he  hath  in  his  prison,  of 
Arthur's  court,  good  knights  three  score  and  four,  that  he 
hath  won  with  his  own  hands.  But  when  ye  have  done  that 
journey  ye  shall  promise  me  as  ye  are  a  true  knight  for  to  go 
with  me,  and  to  help  me  and  other  damosels  that  are  dis- 
tressed daily  with  a  false  knight.  All  your  intent,  damosel, 
and  desire  I  will  fulfil,  so  ye  will  bring  me  unto  this  knight. 
Now,  fair  knight,  come  on  your  way;  and  so  she  brought 
him  unto  the  ford  and  the  tree  where  hung  the  basin. 

So  Sir  Launcelot  let  his  horse  drink,  and  then  he  beat 
on  the  basin  with  the  butt  of  his  spear  so  hard  with  all  his 
might  till  the  bottom  fell  out,  and  long  he  did  so,  but  he 
saw  nothing.  Then  he  rode  endlong  the  gates  of  that 
manor  nigh  half-an-hour.  And  then  was  he  ware  of  a 
great  knight  that  drove  an  horse  afore  him,  and  overthwart 
the  horse  there  lay  an  armed  knight  bound.  And  ever  as 
they  came  near  and  near,  Sir  Launcelot  thought  he  should 
know  him.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  was  ware  that  it  was  Sir 
Gaheris,  Gawaine's  brother,  a  knight  of  the  Table  Round. 


60  OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT 

Now,  fair  damosel,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  see  yonder  cometh 
a  knight  fast  bounden  that  is  a  fellow  of  mine,  and  brother 
he  is  unto  Sir  Gawaine.  And  at  the  first  beginning  I  prom- 
ise you,  by  the  leave  of  God,  to  rescue  that  knight ;  but 
if  his  master  sit  better  in  the  saddle  I  shall  deliver  all  the 
prisoners  that  he  hath  out  of  danger,  for  I  am  sure  he  hath 
two  brethren  of  mine  prisoners  with  him.  By  that  time 
that  either  had  seen  other,  they  gripped  their  spears  unto 
them.  Now,  fair  knight,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  put  that 
wounded  knight  off  the  horse,  and  let  him  rest  awhile,  and 
let  us  two  prove  our  strengths  ;  for  as  it  is  informed  me,  thou 
doest  and  hast  done  great  despite  and  shame  unto  knights 
of  the  Round  Table,  and  therefore  now  defend  thee.  An 
thou  be  of  the  Table  Round,  said  Turquine,  I  defy  thee  and 
all  thy  fellowship.  That  is  overmuch  said,  said  Sir  Launcelot. 

And  then  they  put  their  spears  in  the  rests,  and  came 
together  with  their  horses  as  fast  as  they  might  run,  and  either 
smote  other  in  midst  of  their  shields,  that  both  their  horses' 
backs  brast  under  them,  and  the  knights  were  both  astonied. 
And  as  soon  as  they  might  avoid  their  horses,  they  took  their 
shields  afore  them,  and  drew  out  their  swords,  and  came 
together  eagerly,  and  either  gave  other  many  strong  strokes, 
for  there  might  neither  shields  nor  harness  hold  their  strokes. 
And  so  within  a  while  they  had  both  grimly  wounds,  and 
bled  passing  grievously.  Thus  they  fared  two  hours  or 
more  trasing  and  rasing  either  other,  where  they  might  hit 
any  bare  place. 

Then  at  the  last  they  were  breathless  both,  and  stood 
leaning  on  their  swords.  Now,  fellow,  said  Sir  Turquine, 
hold  thy  hand  a  while,  and  tell  me  what  I  shall  ask  thee. 
Say  on.  Then  Turquine  said,  Thou  art  the  biggest  man 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  FOUGHT  SIR  TURQUINE    61 

that  ever  I  met  withal,  and  the  best  breathed,  and  like  one 
knight  that  I  hate  above  all  other  knights ;  so  be  it  that 
thou  be  not  he  I  will  lightly  accord  with  thee,  and  for  thy 
love  I  will  deliver  all  the  prisoners  that  I  have,  that  is  three 
score  and  four,  so  thou  wilt  tell  me  thy  name.  And  thou 
and  I  we  will  be  fellows  together,  and  never  to  fail  thee 
while  that  I  live.  It  is  well  said,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  but 
sithen  it  is  so  that  I  may  have  thy  friendship,  what  knight 
is  he  that  thou  so  hatest  above  all  other  ?  Faithfully,  said 
Sir  Turquine,  his  name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  for  he 
slew  my  brother,  Sir  Carados,  at  the  dolorous  tower,  that  was 
one  of  the  best  knights  alive ;  and  therefore  him  I  except  of 
all  knights,  for  may  I  once  meet  with  him,  the  one  of  us 
shall  make  an  end  of  other,  I  make  mine  avow.  And  for  Sir 
Launcelot's  sake  I  have  slain  an  hundred  good  knights,  and 
as  many  I  have  maimed  all  utterly  that  they  might  never 
after  help  themselves,  and  many  have  died  in  prison,  and 
yet  have  I  three  score  and  four,  and  all  shall  be  delivered  so 
thou  wilt  tell  me  thy  name,  so  be  it  that  thou  be  not  Sir 
Launcelot. 

Now  see  I  well,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  such  a  man  I 
might  be,  I  might  have  peace,  and  such  a  man  I  might  be, 
that  there  should  be  war  mortal  betwixt  us.  And  now, 
sir  knight,  at  thy  request  I  will  that  thou  wit  and  know 
that  I  am  Launcelot  du  Lake,  King  Ban's  son  of  Benwick, 
and  very  knight  of  the  Table  Round.  And  now  I  defy 
thee,  and  do  thy  best.  Ah,  said  Turquine,  Launcelot,  thou 
art  unto  me  most  welcome  that  ever  was  knight,  for  we 
shall  never  depart  till  the  one  of  us  be  dead.  Then  they 
hurtled  together  as  two  wild  bulls,  rashing  and  lashing  with 
their  shields  and  swords,  that  sometime  they  fell  both  over 


62  OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT 

their  noses.  Thus  they  fought  still  two  hours  and  more, 
and  never  would  have  rest,  and  Sir  Turquine  gave  Sir  Launce- 
lot  many  wounds  that  all  the  ground  thereas  they  fought 
was  all  bespeckled  with  blood. 

Then  at  the  last  Sir  Turquine  waxed  faint,  and  gave 
somewhat  aback,  and  bare  his  shield  low  for  weariness. 
That  espied  Sir  Launcelot,  and  leapt  upon  him  fiercely 
and  gat  him  by  the  beaver  of  his  helmet,  and  plucked  him 
down  on  his  knees,  and  anon  he  raced  off  his  helm,  and  smote 
his  neck  in  sunder.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  had  done 
this,  he  went  unto  the  damosel  and  said,  Damosel,  I  am 
ready  to  go  with  you  where  ye  will  have  me,  but  I  have 
no  horse.  Fair  sir,  said  she,  take  this  wounded  knight's 
horse  and  send  him  into  this  manor,  and  command  him  to 
deliver  all  the  prisoners.  So  Sir  Launcelot  went  unto 
Gaheris,  and  prayed  him  not  to  be  aggrieved  for  to  lend 
him  his  horse.  Nay,  fair  lord,  said  Gaheris,  I  will  that  ye 
take  my  horse  at  your  own  commandment,  for  ye  have  both 
saved  me  and  my  horse,  and  this  day  I  say  ye  are  the  best 
knight  in  the  world,  for  ye  have  slain  this  day  in  my  sight 
the  mightiest  man  and  the  best  knight  except  you  that  ever 
I  saw,  and,  fair  sir,  said  Gaheris,  I  pray  you  tell  me  your 
name.  Sir,  my  name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  that  ought 
to  help  you  of  right  for  King  Arthur's  sake,  and  in  especial 
for  my  lord  Sir  Gawaine's  sake,  your  own  dear  brother; 
and  when  that  ye  come  within  yonder  manor,  I  am  sure 
ye  shall  find  there  many  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  for 
I  have  seen  many  of  their  shields  that  I  know  on  yonder 
tree.  Wherefore  I  pray  you  greet  them  all  from  me,  and 
say  that  I  bid  them  take  such  stuff  there  as  they  find,  and 
that  in  any  wise  my  brethren  go  unto  the  court  and  abide 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  RODE  WITH  A  DAMOSEL    63 

me  there  till  that  I  come,  for  by  the  feast  of  Pentecost  I  cast 
me  to  be  there,  for  as  at  this  time  I  must  ride  with  this 
damosel  for  to  save  my  promise. 

And  so  he  departed  from  Gaheris,  and  Gaheris  went 
into  the  manor,  and  there  he  found  a  yeoman  porter  keeping 
there  many  keys.  Anon  withal  Sir  Gaheris  threw  the  por- 
ter unto  the  ground  and  took  the  keys  from  him,  and  hastily 
he  opened  the  prison  door,  and  there  he  let  out  all  the  pris- 
oners, and  every  man  loosed  other  of  their  bonds.  And 
when  they  saw  Sir  Gaheris,  all  they  thanked  him,  for  they 
weened  that  he  was  wounded.  Not  so,  said  Gaheris,  it  was 
Launcelot  that  slew  him  worshipfully  with  his  own  hands. 
I  saw  it  with  mine  own  eyes.  And  he  greeteth  you  all  well, 
and  prayeth  you  to  haste  you  to  the  court. 

Then  all  those  knights  sought  the  house  thereas  the 
armour  was,  and  then  they  armed  them,  and  every  knight 
found  his  own  horse,  and  all  that  ever  longed  unto  him. 
And  when  this  was  done,  there  came  a  forester  with  four 
horses  laden  with  fat  venison.  Anon,  Sir  Kay  said,  Here 
is  good  meat  for  us  for  one  meal,  for  we  had  not  many  a 
day  no  good  repast.  And  so  that  venison  was  roasted, 
baken,  and  sodden,  and  so  after  supper  some  abode  there 
all  night,  but  Sir  Lionel  and  Ector  de  Maris  and  Sir  Kay 
rode  after  Sir  Launcelot  to  find  him  if  they  might. 

HOW      SIR      LAUNCELOT      RODE     WITH     A 
DAMOSEL    AND    SLEW    A    KNIGHT    THAT 
DISTRESSED   ALL    LADIES    AND    HOW   HE 
DELIVERED  SIR  KAY.     Now  turn  we  unto  Sir  Launcelot, 
that  rode  with  the  damosel  in  a  fair  highway.     Sir,  said  the 
damosel,  here  by  this  way  haunteth  a  knight  that  distresseth 


64  OF   SIR  LAUNCELOT 

all  ladies  and  gentlewomen,  and  at  the  least  he  robbeth  them 
or  lieth  by  them.  What,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  is  he  a  thief 
and  a  knight  and  a  ravisher  of  women  ?  he  doth  shame  unto 
the  order  of  knighthood,  and  contrary  unto  his  oath ;  it  is 
pity  that  he  liveth.  But,  fair  damosel,  ye  shall  ride  on  afore, 
yourself,  and  I  will  keep  myself  in  covert,  and  if  that  he 
trouble  you  or  distress  you  I  shall  be  your  rescue  and  learn 
him  to  be  ruled  as  a  knight. 

So  the  maid  rode  on  by  the  way  a  soft  ambling  pace, 
and  within  a  while  came  out  that  knight  on  horseback  out 
of  the  wood,  and  his  page  with  him,  and  there  he  put  the 
damosel  from  her  horse,  and  then  she  cried.  With  that 
came  Launcelot  as  fast  as  he  might  till  he  came  to  that 
knight,  saying,  O  thou  false  knight  and  traitor  unto  knight- 
hood, who  did  learn  thee  to  distress  ladies  and  gentlewomen  ? 
When  the  knight  saw  Sir  Launcelot  thus  rebuking  him  he 
answered  not,  but  drew  his  sword  and  rode  unto  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  Sir  Launcelot  threw  his  spear  from  him,  and  drew  out 
his  sword,  and  struck  him  such  a  buffet  on  the  helmet  that 
he  clave  his  head  and  neck  unto  the  throat.  Now  hast  thou 
thy  payment  that  long  thou  hast  deserved  !  That  is  truth, 
said  the  damosel,  for  like  as  Sir  Turquine  watched  to  destroy 
knights,  so  did  this  knight  attend  to  destroy  and  distress 
ladies,  damosels,  and  gentlewomen,  and  his  name  was  Sir 
Peris  de  Forest  Savage.  Now,  damosel,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
will  ye  any  more  service  of  me  ?  Nay,  sir,  she  said,  at  this 
time,  but  almighty  Jesu  preserve  you  wheresomever  ye  ride 
or  go,  for  the  curteist  knight  thou  art,  and  meekest  unto  all 
ladies  and  gentlewomen,  that  now  liveth. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  mounted  upon  his  horse,  and  rode 
into  many  strange  and  wild  countries,  and  through  many 


HOW   LAUNCELOT  DELIVERED   SIR   KAY      65 

waters  and  valleys,  and  evil  was  he  lodged.  And  at  the 
last  by  fortune  him  happened,  against  a  night,  to  come  to 
a  fair  courtelage,  and  therein  he  found  an  old  gentlewoman 
that  lodged  him  with  good  will,  and  there  he  had  good  cheer 
for  him  and  his  horse.  And  when  time  was,  his  host  brought 
him  into  a  fair  garret,  over  the  gate,  to  his  bed.  There 
Sir  Launcelot  unarmed  him,  and  set  his  harness  by  him,  and 
went  to  bed,  and  anon  he  fell  asleep.  So,  soon  after,  there 
came  one  on  horseback,  and  knocked  at  the  gate  in  great 
haste,  and  when  Sir  Launcelot  heard  this,  he  arose  up  and 
looked  out  at  the  window,  and  saw  by  the  moonlight  three 
knights  came  riding  after  that  one  man,  and  all  three  lashed 
on  him  at  once  with  swords,  and  that  one  knight  turned 
on  them  knightly  again,  and  defended  him.  Truly,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  yonder  one  knight  shall  I  help,  for  it  were 
shame  for  me  to  see  three  knights  on  one,  and  if  he  be  slain 
I  am  partner  of  his  death  ;  and  therewith  he  took  his  harness, 
and  went  out  at  a  window  by  a  sheet  down  to  the  four 
knights,  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  said  on  high,  Turn  you 
knights  unto  me,  and  leave  your  fighting  with  that  knight. 
And  then  they  all  three  left  Sir  Kay,  and  turned  unto  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  there  began  great  battle,  for  they  alighted 
all  three,  and  struck  many  great  strokes  at  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  assailed  him  on  every  side.  Then  Sir  Kay  dressed 
him  for  to  have  holpen  Sir  Launcelot.  Nay,  sir,  said  he, 
I  will  none  of  your  help ;  therefore  as  ye  will  have  my  help, 
let  me  alone  with  them.  Sir  Kay,  for  the  pleasure  of  the 
knight,  suffered  him  for  to  do  his  will,  and  so  stood  aside. 
And  then  anon  within  six  strokes,  Sir  Launcelot  had  stricken 
them  to  the  earth. 

And  then  they  all  three  cried:    Sir  knight,  we  yield  us 


66  OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT 

unto  you  as  a  man  of  might  makeless.  As  to  that,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  I  will  not  take  your  yielding  unto  me.  But 
so  that  ye  will  yield  you  unto  Sir  Kay  the  Seneschal,  on 
that  covenant  I  will  save  your  lives,  and  else  not.  Fair 
knight,  said  they,  that  were  we  loath  to  do ;  for  as  for  Sir 
Kay,  we  chased  him  hither,  and  had  overcome  him  had 
not  ye  been,  therefore  to  yield  us  unto  him  it  were  no  reason. 
Well,  as  to  that,  said  Launcelot,  advise  you  well,  for  ye 
may  choose  whether  ye  will  die  or  live,  for  an  ye  be  yolden 
it  shall  be  unto  Sir  Kay.  Fair  knight,  then  they  said,  in 
saving  of  our  lives  we  will  do  as  thou  commandest  us.  Then 
shall  ye,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  on  Whitsunday  next  coming, 
go  unto  the  court  of  King  Arthur,  and  there  shall  ye  yield 
you  unto  Queen  Guenever,  and  put  you  all  three  in  her 
grace  and  mercy,  and  say  that  Sir  Kay  sent  you  thither 
to  be  her  prisoners.  Sir,  they  said,  it  shall  be  done  by  the 
faith  of  our  bodies,  an  we  be  living,  and  there  they  swore 
every  knight  upon  his  sword.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot  suffered 
them  so  to  depart.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  knocked  at  the 
gate  with  the  pommel  of  his  sword,  and  with  that  came  his 
host,  and  in  they  entered  Sir  Kay  and  he.  Sir,  said  his  host, 
I  weened  ye  had  been  in  your  bed.  So  I  was,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, but  I  rose  and  leapt  out  at  my  window  for  to  help  an 
old  fellow  of  mine.  And  so  when  they  came  nigh  the  light, 
Sir  Kay  knew  well  that  it  was  Sir  Launcelot,  and  therewith 
he  kneeled  down  and  thanked  him  of  all  his  kindness  that  he 
had  holpen  him  twice  from  the  death.  Sir,  he  said,  I  have 
nothing  done  but  that  I  ought  to  do,  and  ye  are  welcome,  and 
here  shall  ye  repose  you  and  take  your  rest. 

So  when  Sir  Kay  was  unarmed,  he   asked  after  meat ; 
so  there  was  meat  fetched  him,  and  he  ate  strongly.     And 


HOW  SIR   LAUNCELOT  RODE   DISGUISED     67 

when  he  had  supped  they  went  to  their  beds  and  were 
lodged  together  in  one  bed.  On  the  morn  Sir  Launcelot 
arose  early,  and  left  Sir  Kay  sleeping,  and  Sir  Launcelot 
took  Sir  Kay's  armour  and  his  shield,  and  armed  him,  and 
so  he  went  to  the  stable,  and  took  his  horse,  and  took  his 
leave  of  his  host,  and  so  he  departed.  Then  soon  after 
arose  Sir  Kay  and  missed  Sir  Launcelot.  And  then  he 
espied  that  he  had  his  armour  and  his  horse.  Now  by  my 
faith  I  know  well  that  he  will  grieve  some  of  the  court  of 
King  Arthur ;  for  on  him  knights  will  be  bold,  and  deem 
that  it  is  I,  and  that  will  beguile  them.  And  because  of 
his  armour  and  shield  I  am  sure  I  shall  ride  in  peace.  And 
then  soon  after  departed  Sir  Kay  and  thanked  his  host. 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  RODE  DIS- 
GUISED IN  SIR  KAY'S  HARNESS  AND 
OVERTHREW  FOUR  KNIGHTS  OF  THE 
ROUND  TABLE,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS 
REQUIRED  OF  A  DAMOSEL  TO  HEAL 
HER  BROTHER.  Now  turn  we  unto  Sir 
Launcelot  that  rode  into  a  deep  forest,  and 
thereby  in  a  slade  he  saw  four  knights  hoving  under  an  oak, 
and  they  were  of  Arthur's  court,  one  was  Sir  Sagramour 
le  Desirous,  and  Ector  de  Maris,  and  Sir  Gawaine,  and  Sir 
Uwaine.  Anon  as  these  four  knights  had  espied  Sir  Launce- 
lot they  weened  by  his  arms  it  had  been  Sir  Kay.  Now 
by  my  faith,  said  Sir  Sagramour,  I  will  prove  Sir  Kay's  might, 
and  gat  his  spear  in  his  hand,  and  came  toward  Sir  Launce- 
lot. Therewith  Sir  Launcelot  was  ware  and  knew  him  well, 
and  feutred  his  spear  against  him,  and  smote  Sir  Sagramour 
so  sore  that  horse  and  man  fell  both  to  the  earth.  Lo,  my 


68  OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT 

fellows,  said  Sir  Ector,  yonder  ye  may  see  what  a  buffet  he 
hath ;  that  knight  is  much  bigger  than  ever  was  Sir  Kay. 
Now  shall  ye  see  what  I  may  do  to  him.  So  Sir  Ector  gat 
his  spear  in  his  hand  and  galloped  toward  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  Sir  Launcelot  smote  him  through  the  shield  and  shoulder 
that  man  and  horse  went  to  the  earth,  and  ever  his  spear 
held. 

By  my  faith,  said  Sir  Uwaine,  yonder  is  a  strong  knight, 
and  I  am  sure  he  hath  slain  Sir  Kay ;  and  I  see  by  his  great 
strength  it  will  be  hard  to  match  him.  And  therewithal, 
Sir  Uwaine  gat  his  spear  in  his  hand  and  rode  toward  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  Sir  Launcelot  knew  him  well,  and  so  he  met 
him  on  the  plain,  and  gave  him  such  a  buffet  that  he  was 
astonied,  that  long  he  wist  not  where  he  was.  Now  see  I 
well,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  must  encounter  with  that  knight. 
Then  he  dressed  his  shield  and  gat  a  good  spear  in  his  hand, 
and  Sir  Launcelot  knew  him  well ;  and  then  they  let  run 
their  horses  with  all  their  mights,  and  either  knight  smote 
other  in  midst  of  the  shield.  But  Sir  Gawaine's  spear  to- 
brast,  and  Sir  Launcelot  charged  so  sore  upon  him  that  his 
horse  reversed  up-so-down.  And  much  sorrow  had  Sir 
Gawaine  to  avoid  his  horse,  and  so  Sir  Launcelot  passed  on 
a  pace  and  smiled,  and  said,  God  give  him  joy  that  this 
spear  made,  for  there  came  never  a  better  in  my  hand. 

Then  the  four  knights  went  each  one  to  other  and  com- 
forted each  other.  What  say  ye  by  this  guest  ?  said  Sir 
Gawaine,  that  one  spear  hath  felled  us  all  four.  We  com- 
mend him  unto  the  devil,  they  said  all,  for  he  is  a  man  of 
great  might.  Ye  may  well  say  it,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  that 
he  is  a  man  of  might,  for  I  dare  lay  my  head  it  is  Sir  Launce- 
lot, I  know  it  by  his  riding.  Let  him  go,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 


HOW  HE   FOLLOWED  A  BRACKET  69 

for  when  we  come  to  the  court  then  shall  we  wit ;    and  then 
had  they  much  sorrow  to  get  their  horses  again. 

Now  leave  we  there  and  speak  of  Sir  Launcelot  that  rode 
a  great  while  in  a  deep  forest,  where  he  saw  a  black  brachet, 
seeking  in  manner  as  it  had  been  in  the  feute  of  an  hurt 
deer.  And  therewith  he  rode  after  the  brachet,  and  he 
saw  lie  on  the  ground  a  large  feute  of  blood.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  rode  after.  And  ever  the  brachet  looked 
behind  her,  and  so  she  went  through  a  great  marsh,  and 
ever  Sir  Launcelot  followed.  And  then  was  he  ware  of 
an  old  manor,  and  thither  ran  the  brachet,  and  so  over  the 
bridge.  So  Sir  Launcelot  rode  over  that  bridge  that  was 
old  and  feeble ;  and  when  he  came  in  midst  of  a  great  hall, 
there  he  saw  lie  a  dead  knight  that  was  a  seemly  man,  and 
that  brachet  licked  his  wounds.  And  therewithal  came 
out  a  lady  weeping  and  wringing  her  hands  ;  and  then  she 
said,  O  knight,  to  much  sorrow  hast  thou  brought  me.  Why 
say  ye  so  ?  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  did  never  this  knight 
no  harm,  for  hither  by  feute  of  blood  this  brachet  brought 
me ;  and  therefore,  fair  lady,  be  not  displeased  with  me, 
for  I  am  full  sore  aggrieved  of  your  grievance.  Truly,  sir, 
she  said,  I  trow  it  be  not  ye  that  hath  slain  my  husband, 
for  he  that  did  that  deed  is  sore  wounded,  and  he  is  never 
likely  to  recover,  that  shall  I  ensure  him.  What  was  your 
husband's  name  ?  said  Sir  Launcelot.  Sir,  said  she,  his 
name  was  called  Sir  Gilbert  the  Bastard,  one  of  the  best 
knights  of  the  world,  and  he  that  hath  slain  him  I  know 
not  his  name.  Now  God  send  you  better  comfort,  said 
Sir  Launcelot ;  and  so  he  departed  and  went  into  the  forest 
again,  and  there  he  met  with  a  damosel,  the  which  knew  him 
well,  and  she  said  aloud,  Well  be  ye  found,  my  lord  ;  and  now 


70  OF  SIR   LAUNCELOT 

I  require  thee,  on  thy  knighthood,  help  my  brother  that  is 
sore  wounded,  and  never  stinteth  bleeding ;  for  this  day  he 
fought  with  Sir  Gilbert  the  Bastard  and  slew  him  in  plain 
battle,  and  there  was  my  brother  sore  wounded,  and  there 
is  a  lady,  a  sorceress,  that  dwelleth  in  a  castle  here  beside, 
and  this  day  she  told  me  my  brother's  wounds  should  never 
be  whole  till  I  could  find  a  knight  that  would  go  into  the 
Chapel  Perilous,  and  there  he  should  find  a  sword  and  a 
bloody  cloth  that  the  wounded  knight  was  lapped  in,  and 
a  piece  of  that  cloth  and  sword  should  heal  my  brother's 
wounds,  so  that  his  wounds  were  searched  with  the  sword 
and  the  cloth.  This  is  a  marvellous  thing,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  but  what  is  your  brother's  name  ?  Sir,  she  said,  his  name 
was  Sir  Meliot  de  Logres.  That  me  repenteth,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  for  he  is  a  fellow  of  the  Table  Round,  and  to  his  help  I 
will  do  my  power.  Then,  sir,  said  she,  follow  even  this  high- 
way, and  it  will  bring  you  into  the  Chapel  Perilous ;  and  here 
I  shall  abide  till  God  send  you  here  again,  and,  but  you  speed, 
I  know  no  knight  living  that  may  achieve  that  adventure. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  CAME  INTO  THE 
CHAPEL  PERILOUS  AND  HOW  HE  HEALED 
THE  DAMOSEL'S  BROTHER  AND  RE- 
TURNED TO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT.  Right  so  Sir 
Launcelot  departed,  and  when  he  came  unto  the  Chapel 
Perilous  he  alighted  down,  and  tied  his  horse  unto  a  little 
gate.  And  as  soon  as  he  was  within  the  churchyard  he 
saw  on  the  front  of  the  chapel  many  fair  rich  shields  turned 
up-so-down,  and  many  of  the  shields  Sir  Launcelot  had 
seen  knights  bear  beforehand.  With  that  he  saw  by  him 
there  stand  a  thirty  great  knights,  more  by  a  yard  than 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  GAT  A  SWORD        71 

any  man  that  ever  he  had  seen,  and  all  those  grinned  and 
gnashed  at  Sir  Launcelot.  And  when  he  saw  their  counte- 
nance he  dreaded  him  sore,  and  so  put  his  shield  afore  him, 
and  took  his  sword  ready  in  his  hand,  ready  unto  battle, 
and  they  were  all  armed  in  black  harness  ready  with  their 
shields  and  their  swords  drawn.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot 
would  have  gone  throughout  them,  they  scattered  on  every 
side  of  him,  and  gave  him  the  way,  and  therewith  he  waxed 
all  bold,  and  entered  into  the  chapel,  and  then  he  saw  no 
light  but  a  dim  lamp  burning,  and  then  was  he  ware  of  a 
corpse  covered  with  a  cloth  of  silk.  Then  Sir  Launcelot 
stooped  down,  and  cut  a  piece  away  of  that  cloth,  and  then 
it  fared  under  him  as  the  earth  had  quaked  a  little ;  there- 
withal he  feared.  And  then  he  saw  a  fair  sword  lie  by  the 
dead  knight,  and  that  he  gat  in  his  hand  and  hied  him  out 
of  the  chapel. 

Anon  as  ever  he  was  in  the  chapel  yard  all  the  knights 
spake  to  him  with  a  grimly  voice,  and  said,  Knight,  Sir  Launce- 
lot, lay  that  sword  from  thee  or  else  thou  shalt  die.  Whether 
that  1  live  or  die,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  with  no  great  word 
get  ye  it  again,  therefore  fight  for  it  an  ye  list.  Then  right 
so  he  passed  throughout  them,  and  beyond  the  chapel  yard 
there  met  him  a  fair  damosel,  and  said,  Sir  Launcelot,  leave 
that  sword  behind  thee,  or  thou  wilt  die  for  it.  I  leave  it 
not,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  no  treaties.  No,  said  she,  an 
thou  didst  leave  that  sword,  Queen  Guenever  should  thou 
never  see.  Then  were  I  a  fool  an  I  would  leave  this  sword, 
said  Launcelot.  Now,  gentle  knight,  said  the  damosel, 
I  require  thee  to  kiss  me  but  once.  Nay,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
that  God  me  forbid.  Well,  sir,  said  she,  an  thou  hadst  kissed 
me  thy  life  days  had  been  done,  but  now,  alas,  she  said,  I 


72  OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT 

have  lost  all  my  labour,  for  I  ordained  this  chapel  for  thy  sake, 
and  for  Sir  Gawaine.  And  once  I  had  Sir  Gawaine  within 
me,  and  at  that  time  he  fought  with  that  knight  that  lieth 
there  dead  in  yonder  chapel,  Sir  Gilbert  the  Bastard ;  and 
at  that  time  he  smote  the  left  hand  off  of  Sir  Gilbert  the 
Bastard.  And,  Sir  Launcelot,  now  I  tell  thee,  I  have  loved 
thee  this  seven  year,  but  there  may  no  woman  have  thy  love 
but  Queen  Guenever.  But  sithen  I  may  not  rejoice  thee 
to  have  thy  body  alive,  I  had  kept  no  more  joy  in  this  world 
but  to  have  thy  body  dead.  Then  would  I  have  balmed 
it  and  preserved  it,  and  so  have  kept  it  my  life  days,  and 
daily  I  should  have  clipped  thee,  and  kissed  thee,  in  despite 
of  Queen  Guenever.  Ye  say  well,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  Jesu 
preserve  me  from  your  subtle  crafts.  And  therewithal 
he  took  his  horse  and  so  departed  from  her.  And  as  the 
book  saith,  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  departed  she  took  such 
sorrow  that  she  died  within  a  fourteen  night,  and  her  name 
was  Hellawes  the  sorceress,  Lady  of  the  Castle  Nigramous. 
Anon  Sir  Launcelot  met  with  the  damosel,  Sir  Meliot's 
sister.  And  when  she  saw  him  she  clapped  her  hands,  and 
wept  for  joy.  And  then  they  rode  unto  a  castle  thereby 
where  lay  Sir  Meliot.  And  anon  as  Sir  Launcelot  saw  him 
he  knew  him,  but  he  was  passing  pale,  as  the  earth,  for  bleed- 
ing. When  Sir  Meliot  saw  Sir  Launcelot  he  kneeled  upon 
his  knees  and  cried  on  high :  O  lord  Sir  Launcelot,  help 
me !  Anon  Sir  Launcelot  leapt  unto  him  and  touched  his 
wounds  with  Sir  Gilbert's  sword.  And  then  he  wiped  his 
wounds  with  a  part  of  the  bloody  cloth  that  Sir  Gilbert 
was  wrapped  in,  and  anon  an  wholer  man  in  his  life  was  he 
never.  And  then  there  was  great  joy  between  them,  and 
they  made  Sir  Launcelot  all  the  cheer  that  they  might,  and 


HIS  RETURN  TO  ARTHUR'S  COURT    73 

so  on  the  morn  Sir  Launcelot  took  his  leave,  and  bade  Sir 
Meliot  hie  him  to  the  court  of  my  lord  Arthur,  and  there 
by  the  grace  of  God  ye  shall  find  me.  And  therewith  they 
departed. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  came  home  two  days  afore 
the  Feast  of  Pentecost ;  and  the  king  and  all  the  court  were 
passing  fain  of  his  coming.  And  when  Sir  Gawaine,  Sir 
Uwaine,  Sir  Sagramore,  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  saw  Sir  Launce- 
lot in  Kay's  armour,  then  they  wist  well  it  was  he  that  smote 
them  down  all  with  one  spear.  Then  there  was  laughing 
and  smiling  among  them.  And  ever  now  and  now  came 
all  the  knights  home  that  Sir  Turquine  had  prisoners,  and 
they  all  honoured  and  worshipped  Sir  Launcelot. 

Then  Sir  Kay  told  the  king  how  Sir  Launcelot  had  res- 
cued him  when  he  should  have  been  slain,  and  how  he  made 
the  knights  yield  them  to  me,  and  not  to  him.  And  there 
they  were  all  three,  and  bare  record.  And  in  truth,  said 
Sir  Kay,  because  Sir  Launcelot  took  my  harness  and  left 
me  his  I  rode  in  good  peace,  and  no  man  would  have  ado 
with  me. 

And  then  Sir  Meliot  de  Logres  came  home,  and  told  the 
king  how  Sir  Launcelot  had  saved  him  from  the  death.  And 
so  at  that  time  Sir  Launcelot  had  the  greatest  name  of  any 
knight  of  the  world,  and  most  he  was  honoured  of  high  and 
low. 


OF    SIR    GARETH 


HOW  BEAUMAINS  CAME  TO  KING 
ARTHUR'S  COURT  AND  ASKED 
THREE  GIFTS  OF  KING  ARTHUR, 
AND  OF  A  DAMOSEL  THAT  DE- 
SIRED A  KNIGHT  TO  FIGHT  FOR 
A  LADY,  AND  HOW  BEAUMAINS 
DESIRED  THE  BATTLE.  When  Arthur 
held  his  Round  Table  most  plenour,  it 
fortuned  that  he  commanded  that  the  high 
feast  of  Pentecost  should  be  holden  at  a  city 
and  a  castle,  the  which  in  those  days  was 
called  Kynke  Kenadonne,  upon  the  sands 
that  marched  nigh  Wales.  So  ever  the  king  had  a  custom 
that  at  the  feast  of  Pentecost  in  especial,  afore  other  feasts 
in  the  year,  he  would  not  go  that  day  to  meat  until  he  had 
heard  or  seen  of  a  great  marvel.  And  for  that  custom  all 
manner  of  strange  adventures  came  before  Arthur  as  at 
that  feast  before  all  other  feasts.  And  so  Sir  Gawaine,  a 
little  to-fore  noon  of  the  day  of  Pentecost,  espied  at  a  window 
three  men  upon  horseback,  and  a  dwarf  on  foot,  and  so  the 
three  men  alighted,  and  the  dwarf  kept  their  horses,  and 
one  of  the  three  men  was  higher  than  the  other  twain  by  a 
foot  and  an  half.  Then  Sir  Gawaine  went  unto  the  king 
and  said,  Sir,  go  to  your  meat,  for  here  at  the  hand  come 

74 


BEAUMAINS  AT  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT     75 

strange  adventures.  So  Arthur  went  unto  his  meat  with 
many  other  kings. 

Right  so  came  into  the  hall  two  men  well  beseen  and  richly, 
and  upon  their  shoulders  there  leaned  the  goodliest  young 
man  and  the  fairest  that  ever  they  all  saw,  and  he  was  large 
and  long,  and  broad  in  the  shoulders,  and  well  visaged,  and 
the  fairest  and  the  largest  handed  that  ever  man  saw,  but 
he  fared  as  though  he  might  not  go  nor  bear  himself  but 
if  he  leaned  upon  their  shoulders.  Anon  as  Arthur  saw  him 
there  was  made  peace  and  room,  and  right  so  they  went 
with  him  unto  the  high  dais,  without  saying  of  any  words. 
Then  this  much  young  man  pulled  him  aback,  and  easily 
stretched  up  straight,  saying,  King  Arthur,  God  you  bless 
and  all  your  fair  fellowship,  and  in  especial  the  fellowship  of 
the  Table  Round.  And  for  this  cause  I  am  come  hither, 
to  pray  you  and  require  you  to  give  me  three  gifts,  and  they 
shall  not  be  unreasonably  asked,  but  that  ye  may  worship- 
fully  and  honourably  grant  them  me,  and  to  you  no  great 
hurt  nor  loss.  And  the  first  don  and  gift  I  will  ask  now, 
and  the  other  two  gifts  I  will  ask  this  day  twelvemonth, 
wheresomever  ye  hold  your  high  feast.  Now  ask,  said 
Arthur,  and  ye  shall  have  your  asking. 

Now,  sir,  this  is  my  petition  for  this  feast,  that  ye  will 
give  me  meat  and  drink  sufficiently  for  this  twelvemonth, 
and  at  that  day  I  will  ask  mine  other  two  gifts. 

My  fair  son,  said  Arthur,  ask  better,  I  counsel  thee, 
for  this  is  but  a  simple  asking ;  for  my  heart  giveth  me  to 
thee  greatly,  that  thou  art  come  of  men  of  worship,  and 
greatly  my  conceit  faileth  me  but  thou  shalt  prove  a  man 
of  right  great  worship.  Sir,  he  said,  thereof  be  as  it  be  may, 
I  have  asked  that  I  will  ask.  Well,  said  the  king,  ye  shall 


76  OF  SIR  GARETH 

have  meat  and  drink  enough;  I  never  defended  that  none, 
neither  my  friend  nor  my  foe.  But  what  is  thy  name  I 
would  wit  ?  I  cannot  tell  you,  said  he.  That  is  marvel, 
said  the  king,  that  thou  knowest  not  thy  name,  and  thou 
art  the  goodliest  young  man  that  ever  I  saw.  Then  the  king 
betook  him  to  Sir  Kay  the  steward,  and  charged  him  that 
he  should  give  him  of  all  manner  of  meats  and  drinks  of  the 
best,  and  also  that  he  had  all  manner  of  finding  as  though 
he  were  a  lord's  son.  That  shall  little  need,  said  Sir  Kay, 
to  do  such  cost  upon  him ;  for  I  dare  undertake  he  is  a  villain 
born,  and  never  will  make  man,  for  an  he  had  come  of  gentle- 
men he  would  have  asked  of  you  horse  and  armour,  but 
such  as  he  is,  so  he  asketh.  And  sithen  he  hath  no  name, 
I  shall  give  him  a  name  that  shall  be  Beaumains,  that  is 
Fair-hands,  and  into  the  kitchen  I  shall  bring  him,  and  there 
he  shall  have  fat  brose  every  day,  that  he  shall  be  as  fat 
by  the  twelve-months'  end  as  a  pork  hog.  Right  so  the  two 
men  departed  and  beleft  him  to  Sir  Kay,  that  scorned  him 
and  mocked  him. 

Thereat  was  Sir  Gawaine  wroth,  and  in  especial  Sir  Launce- 
lot  bade  Sir  Kay  leave  his  mocking,  for  I  dare  lay  my  head 
he  shall  prove  a  man  of  great  worship.  Let  be,  said  Sir 
Kay,  it  may  not  be  by  no  reason,  for  as  he  is,  so  he  hath 
asked. 

And  so  Sir  Kay  bade  get  him  a  place,  and  sit  down  to 
meat ;  so  Beaumains  went  to  the  hall  door,  and  set  him  down 
among  boys  and  lads,  and  there  he  ate  sadly.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  after  meat  bade  him  come  to  his  chamber, 
and  there  he  should  have  meat  and  drink  enough.  And 
so  did  Sir  Gawaine :  but  he  refused  them  all ;  he  would 
do  none  other  but  as  Sir  Kay  commanded  him,  for  no  proffer. 


HOW  A  DAMOSEL  PRAYED   FOR   SUCCOUR    77 

But  as  touching  Sir  Gawaine,  he  had  reason  to  proffer  him 
lodging,  meat,  and  drink,  for  that  proffer  came  of  his  blood, 
for  he  was  nearer  kin  to  him  than  he  wist.  But  that  as  Sir 
Launcelot  did  was  of  his  great  gentleness  and  courtesy. 

So  thus  he  was  put  into  the  kitchen,  and  lay  nightly  as 
the  boys  of  the  kitchen  did.  And  so  he  endured  all  that 
twelvemonth,  and  never  displeased  man  nor  child,  but  always 
he  was  meek  and  mild.  But  ever  when  that  he  saw  any 
jousting  of  knights,  that  would  he  see  an  he  might.  And 
ever  Sir  Launcelot  would  give  him  gold  to  spend,  and  clothes, 
and  so  did  Sir  Gawaine,  and  where  there  were  any  masteries 
done,  thereat  would  he  be,  and  there  might  none  cast  bar 
nor  stone  to  him  by  two  yards.  Then  would  Sir  Kay  say, 
How  liketh  you  my  boy  of  the  kitchen  ?  So  it  passed  on  till 
the  feast  of  Whitsuntide.  And  at  that  time  the  king  held 
it  at  Carlion  in  the  most  royallest  wise  that  might  be,  like 
as  he  did  yearly.  But  the  king  would  no  meat  eat  upon 
the  Whitsunday,  until  he  heard  some  adventures.  Then 
came  there  a  squire  to  the  king  and  said,  Sir,  ye  may  go  to 
your  meat,  for  here  cometh  a  damosel  with  some  strange 
adventures.  Then  was  the  king  glad  and  sat  him  down. 

Right  so  there  came  a  damosel  into  the  hall  and  saluted 
the  king,  and  prayed  him  of  succour.  For  whom  ?  said 
the  king,  what  is  the  adventure  ? 

Sir,  she  said,  I  have  a  lady  of  great  worship  and  renown, 
and  she  is  besieged  with  a  tyrant,  so  that  she  may  not  out 
of  her  castle ;  and  because  here  are  called  the  noblest  knights 
of  the  world,  I  come  to  you  to  pray  you  of  succour.  What 
hight  your  lady,  and  where  dwelleth  she,  and  who  is  she, 
and  what  is  his  name  that  hath  besieged  her  ?  Sir  king, 
she  said,  as  for  my  lady's  name  that  shall  not  ye  know  for 


78  OF   SIR   GARETH 

me  as  at  this  time,  but  I  let  you  wit  she  is  a  lady  of  great 
worship  and  of  great  lands ;  and  as  for  the  tyrant  that  be- 
siegeth  her  and  destroyeth  her  lands,  he  is  called  the  Red 
Knight  of  the  Red  Launds.  I  know  him  not,  said  the  king. 
Sir,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  know  him  well,  for  he  is  one  of  the 
periloust  knights  of  the  world ;  men  say  that  he  hath  seven 
men's  strength,  and  from  him  I  escaped  once  full  hard  with 
my  life.  Fair  damosel,  said  the  king,  there  be  knights  here 
would  do  their  power  for  to  rescue  your  lady,  but  because 
you  will  not  tell  her  name,  nor  where  she  dwelleth,  there- 
fore none  of  my  knights  that  here  be  now  shall  go  with  you 
by  my  will.  Then  must  I  speak  further,  said  the  damosel. 

'With  these  words  came  before  the  king  Beaumains,  while 
the  damosel  was  there,  and  thus  he  said,  Sir  king,  God  thank 
you,  I  have  been  this  twelvemonth  in  your  kitchen,  and  have 
had  my  full  sustenance,  and  now  I  will  ask  my  two  gifts 
that  be  behind.  Ask,  upon  my  peril,  said  the  king.  Sir, 
this  shall  be  my  two  gifts,  first  that  ye  will  grant  me  to  have 
this  adventure  of  the  damosel,  for  it  belongeth  unto  me. 
Thou  shalt  have  it,  said  the  king,  I  grant  it  thee.  Then, 
sir,  this  is  the  other  gift,  that  ye  shall  bid  Launcelot  du  Lake 
to  make  me  knight,  for  of  him  I  will  be  made  knight  and 
else  of  none.  And  when  I  am  passed  I  pray  you  let  him  ride 
after  me,  and  make  me  knight  when  I  require  him.  All 
this  shall  be  done,  said  the  king.  Fie  on  thee,  said  the  damosel, 
shall  I  have  none  but  one  that  is  your  kitchen  page  ?  Then 
was  she  wroth,  and  took  her  horse  and  departed.  And 
with  that  there  came  one  to  Beaumains  and  told  him  his 
horse  and  armour  was  come  for  him  ;  and  there  was  the  dwarf 
come  with  all  thing  that  him  needed,  in  the  richest  manner ; 
thereat  all  the  court  had  much  marvel  from  whence  came 


HOW   BEAUMAINS   FOUGHT  SIR   KAY         79 

all  that  gear.  So  when  he  was  armed  there  was  none  but 
few  so  goodly  a  man  as  he  was ;  and  right  so  he  came  into 
the  hall  and  took  his  leave  of  King  Arthur,  and  Sir  Gawaine, 
and  Sir  Launcelot,  and  prayed  that  he  would  hie  after  him, 
and  so  departed  and  rode  after  the  damosel. 

HOW  BEAUMAINS  DEPARTED,  AND  HOW 
HE  GAT  OF  SIR  KAY  A  SPEAR  AND  A 
SHIELD,  AND  HOW  HE  JOUSTED  WITH 
SIR  LAUNCELOT,  AND  OF  HIM  WAS  DUBBED 
KNIGHT.  But  there  went  many  after  to  behold  how  well 
he  was  horsed  and  trapped  in  cloth  of  gold,  but  he  had  neither 
shield  nor  spear.  Then  Sir  Kay  said  all  open  in  the  hall, 
I  will  ride  after  my  boy  in  the  kitchen,  to  wit  whether  he 
will  know  me  for  his  better.  Said  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir 
Gawaine,  Yet  abide  at  home.  So  Sir  Kay  made  him  ready 
and  took  his  horse  and  his  spear,  and  rode  after  him.  And 
right  as  Beaumains  overtook  the  damosel,  right  so  came  Sir 
Kay  and  said,  Beaumains,  what,  sir,  know  ye  not  me  ?  Then 
he  turned  his  horse,  and  knew  it  was  Sir  Kay,  that  had  done 
him  all  the  despite  as  ye  have  heard  afore.  Yea,  said  Beau- 
mains,  I  know  you  for  an  ungentle  knight  of  the  court,  and 
therefore  beware  of  me.  Therewith  Sir  Kay  put  his  spear 
in  the  rest,  and  ran  straight  upon  him ;  and  Beaumains 
came  as  fast  upon  him  with  his  sword  in  his  hand,  and  so 
he  put  away  his  spear  with  his  sword,  and  with  a  foin  thrust 
him  through  the  side,  that  Sir  Kay  fell  down  as  he  had  been 
dead ;  and  he  alighted  down  and  took  Sir  Kay's  shield  and 
his  spear,  and  stert  upon  his  own  horse  and  rode  his  way. 

All  that  saw  Sir  Launcelot,  and  so  did  the  damosel.     And 
then  he  bade  his  dwarf  stert  upon  Sir  Kay's  horse,  and  so 


8o  OF  SIR   GARETH 

he  did.  By  that  Sir  Launcelot  was  come,  then  he  proffered 
Sir  Launcelot  to  joust ;  and  either  made  them  ready,  and 
they  came  together  so  fiercely  that  either  bare  down  other 
to  the  earth,  and  sore  were  they  bruised.  Then  Sir  Launcelot 
arose  and  helped  him  from  his  horse.  And  then  Beaumains 
threw  his  shield  from  him,  and  proffered  to  fight  with  Sir 
Launcelot  on  foot ;  and  so  they  rashed  together  like  boars, 
tracing,  racing,  and  foining  to  the  mountenance  of  an  hour ; 
and  Sir  Launcelot  felt  him  so  big  that  he  marvelled  of  his 
strength,  for  he  fought  more  liker  a  giant  than  a  knight, 
and  that  his  fighting  was  durable  and  passing  perilous.  For 
Sir  Launcelot  had  so  much  ado  with  him  that  he  dreaded 
himself  to  be  shamed,  and  said,  Beaumains,  fight  not  so  sore, 
your  quarrel  and  mine  is  not  so  great  but  we  may  leave  off. 
Truly  that  is  truth,  said  Beaumains,  but  it  doth  me  good  to 
feel  your  might,  and  yet,  my  lord,  I  showed  not  the  utterance. 
In  God's  name,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  I  promise  you,  by 
the  faith  of  my  body,  I  had  as  much  to  do  as  I  might  to 
save  myself  from  you  unshamed,  and  therefore  have  ye  no 
doubt  of  none  earthly  knight.  Hope  ye  so  that  I  may  any 
while  stand  a  proved  knight  ?  said  Beaumains.  Yea,  said 
Launcelot,  do  as  ye  have  done,  and  I  shall  be  your  warrant. 
Then,  I  pray  you,  said  Beaumains,  give  me  the  order  of 
knighthood.  Then  must  ye  tell  me  your  name,  said  Launce- 
lot, and  of  what  kin  ye  be  born.  Sir,  so  that  ye  will  not 
discover  me  I  shall,  said  Beaumains.  Nay,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, and  that  I  promise  you  by  the  faith  of  my  body,  until 
it  be  openly  known.  Then,  sir,  he  said,  my  name  is  Gareth, 
and  brother  unto  Sir  Gawaine  of  father  and  mother.  Ah, 
sir,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  am  more  gladder  of  you  than  I  was ; 
for  ever  me  thought  ye  should  be  of  a  great  blood,  and  that 


HOW  HE  WAS   DUBBED   KNIGHT  81 

ye  came  not  to  the  court  neither  for  meat  nor  for  drink.  And 
then  Sir  Launcelot  gave  him  the  order  of  knighthood,  and 
then  Sir  Gareth  prayed  him  for  to  depart  and  let  him  go. 

So  Sir  Launcelot  departed  from  him  and  came  to  Sir 
Kay,  and  made  him  to  be  borne  home  upon  his  shield,  and 
so  he  was  healed  hard  with  the  life ;  and  all  men  scorned 
Sir  Kay,  and  in  especial  Sir  Gawaine  and  Sir  Launcelot ; 
and  so  we  leave  Sir  Kay  and  turn  we  unto  Beaumains. 

When  he  had  overtaken  the  damosel,  anon  she  said, 
What  dost  thou  here  ?  thou  stinkest  all  of  the  kitchen,  thy 
clothes  be  bawdy  of  the  grease  and  tallow  that  thou  gainest 
in  King  Arthur's  kitchen ;  weenest  thou,  said  she,  that  I 
allow  thee,  for  yonder  knight  that  thou  killest.  Nay  truly, 
for  thou  slewest  him  unhappily  and  cowardly;  therefore 
turn  again,  bawdy  kitchen  page,  I  know  thee  well,  for  Sir 
Kay  named  thee  Beaumains.  What  art  thou  but  a  lusk 
and  a  turner  of  broaches  and  a  ladle-washer  ?  Damosel, 
said  Beaumains,  say  to  me  what  ye  will,  I  will  not  go  from 
you  whatsomever  ye  say,  for  I  have  undertaken  to  King 
Arthur  for  to  achieve  your  adventure,  and  so  shall  I  finish 
it  to  the  end,  either  I  shall  die  therefore. 

So  thus  as  they  rode  in  the  wood,  there  came  a  man  fly- 
ing all  that  ever  he  might.  Whither  wilt  thou  ?  said  Beau- 
mains.  O  lord,  he  said,  help  me,  for  here  by  in  a  slade  are 
six  thieves  that  have  taken  my  lord  and  bound  him,  so  I 
am  afeard  lest  they  will  slay  him.  Bring  me  thither,  said 
Beaumains.  And  so  they  rode  together  until  they  came  there 
as  was  the  knight  bounden ;  and  then  he  rode  unto  them, 
and  struck  one  unto  the  death,  and  then  another,  and  at  the 
third  stroke  he  slew  the  third  thief,  and  then  the  other  three 
fled.  And  he  rode  after  them,  and  he  overtook  them ;  and 


82  OF  SIR  GARETH 

then  those  three  thieves  turned  again  and  assailed  Beaumains 
hard,  but  at  the  last  he  slew  them,  and  returned  and  unbound 
the  knight.  And  the  knight  thanked  him,  and  prayed  him 
to  ride  with  him  to  his  castle  there  a  little  beside,  and  he  should 
worshipfully  reward  him  for  his  good  deeds.  Sir,  said  Beau- 
mains,  I  will  no  reward  have :  I  was  this  day  made  knight 
of  noble  Sir  Launcelot,  and  therefore  I  will  no  reward  have, 
but  God  reward  me.  And  also  I  must  follow  this  damosel. 

And  when  he  came  nigh  her  she  bade  him  ride  from  her, 
For  thou  smellest  all  of  the  kitchen:  weenest  thou  that 
I  have  joy  of  thee,  for  all  this  deed  that  thou  hast  done  is 
but  mishapped  thee :  but  thou  shalt  see  a  sight  shall  make 
thee  turn  again,  and  that  lightly.  Then  the  same  knight 
which  was  rescued  of  the  thieves  rode  after  that  damosel, 
and  prayed  her  to  lodge  with  him  all  that  night.  And  be- 
cause it  was  near  night  the  damosel  rode  with  him  to  his 
castle,  and  there  they  had  great  cheer,  and  at  supper  the 
knight  sat  Sir  Beaumains  afore  the  damosel.  Fie,  fie,  said 
she,  Sir  knight,  ye  are  uncourteous  to  set  a  kitchen  page 
afore  me;  him  beseemeth  better  to  stick  a  swine  than  to 
sit  afore  a  damosel  of  high  parage.  Then  the  knight  was 
ashamed  at  her  words,  and  took  him  up,  and  set  him  at  a 
sideboard,  and  set  himself  afore  him,  and  so  all  that  night 
they  had  good  cheer  and  merry  rest. 

HOW  BEAUMAINS  FOUGHT  AND 
SLEW  TWO  KNIGHTS  AT  A  PAS- 
SAGE, AND  HOW  HE  SLEW  ALSO 
THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  BLACK 
LAUNDS.  And  on  the  morn  the  damosel  and  he  took  their 
leave  and  thanked  the  knight,  and  so  departed,  and  rode  on 


HOW  HE  SLEW  TWO  KNIGHTS  83 

their  way  until  they  came  to  a  great  forest.  And  there  was 
a  great  river  and  but  one  passage,  and  there  were  ready  two 
knights  on  the  farther  side  to  let  them  the  passage.  What 
sayest  thou,  said  the  damosel,  wilt  thou  match  yonder  knights 
or  turn  again  ?  Nay,  said  Sir  Beaumains,  I  will  not  turn 
again  an  they  were  six  more.  And  therewithal  he  rushed 
into  the  water,  and  in  midst  of  the  water  either  brake  their 
spears  upon  other  to  their  hands,  and  then  they  drew  their 
swords,  and  smote  eagerly  at  other.  And  at  the  last  Sir 
Beaumains  smote  the  other  upon  the  helm  that  his  head 
stonied,  and  therewithal  he  fell  down  in  the  water,  and  there 
was  he  drowned.  And  then  Sir  Beaumains  spurred  his  horse 
upon  the  land,  where  the  other  knight  fell  upon  him,  and 
brake  his  spear,  and  so  they  drew  their  swords  and  fought 
long  together.  At  the  last  Sir  Beaumains  clave  his  helm 
and  his  head  down  to  the  shoulders ;  and  so  he  rode  unto 
the  damosel  and  bade  her  ride  forth  on  her  way. 

Alas,  she  said,  that  ever  a  kitchen  page  should  have 
that  fortune  to  destroy  such  two  doughty  knights :  thou 
weenest  thou  hast  done  doughtily,  that  is  not  so ;  for  the 
first  knight  his  horse  stumbled,  and  there  he  was  drowned 
in  the  water,  and  never  it  was  by  thy  force,  nor  by  thy  might. 
And  the  last  knight  by  mishap  thou  earnest  behind  him  and 
mishappily  thou  slew  him. 

Damosel,  said  Beaumains,  ye  may  say  what  ye  will,  but 
with  whomsomever  I  have  ado  withal,  I  trust  to  God  to 
serve  him  or  he  depart.  And  therefore  I  reck  not  what 
ye  say,  so  that  I  may  win  your  lady.  Fie,  fie,  foul  kitchen 
knave,  thou  shalt  see  knights  that  shall  abate  thy  boast. 
Fair  damosel,  give  me  goodly  language,  and  then  my  care 
is  past,  for  what  knights  somever  they  be,  I  care  not,  nor 


84  OF  SIR   GARETH 

I  doubt  them  not.  Also,  said  she,  I  say  it  for  thine  avail, 
yet  mayest  thou  turn  again  with  thy  worship ;  for  an  thou 
follow  me,  thou  art  but  slain,  for  I  see  all  that  ever  thou 
dost  is  but  by  misadventure,  and  not  by  prowess  of  thy 
hands.  Well,  damosel,  ye  may  say  what  ye  will,  but  where- 
somever  ye  go  I  will  follow  you.  So  this  Beaumains  rode 
with  that  lady  till  evensong  time,  and  ever  she  chid  him, 
and  would  not  rest.  And  they  came  to  a  black  laund ;  and 
there  was  a  black  hawthorn,  and  thereon  hung  a  black  banner, 
and  on  the  other  side  there  hung  a  black  shield,  and  by  it 
stood  a  black  spear  great  and  long,  and  a  great  black  horse 
covered  with  silk,  and  a  black  stone  fast  by. 

There  sat  a  knight  all  armed  in  black  harness,  and  his 
name  was  the  Knight  of  the  Black  Laund  Then  the  damosel, 
when  she  saw  that  knight,  she  bade  Beaumains  flee  down  that 
valley,  for  the  knight's  horse  was  not  saddled.  Gramercy, 
said  Beaumains,  for  always  ye  would  have  me  a  coward. 
With  that  the  Black  Knight,  when  she  came  nigh  him,  spake 
and  said,  Damosel,  have  ye  brought  this  knight  of  King 
Arthur  to  be  your  champion  ?  Nay,  fair  knight,  said  she, 
this  is  but  a  kitchen  knave  that  was  fed  in  King  Arthur's 
kitchen  for  alms.  Why  cometh  he,  said  the  knight,  in  such 
array  ?  it  is  shame  that  he  beareth  you  company.  Sir, 
I  cannot  be  delivered  of  him,  said  she,  for  with  me  he  rideth 
maugre  mine  head :  would  that  ye  should  put  him  from  me, 
other  to  slay  him  an  ye  may,  for  he  is  an  unhappy  knave, 
and  unhappily  he  hath  done  this  day:  through  mishap  I 
saw  him  slay  two  knights  at  the  passage  of  the  water ;  and 
other  deeds  he  did  before  right  marvellous  and  through  un- 
happiness.  That  marvelleth  me,  said  the  Black  Knight, 
that  any  man  that  is  of  worship  will  have  ado  with  him. 


BEAUMAINS  AND  THE   BLACK  KNIGHT       85 

They  know  him  not,  said  the  damosel,  and  for  because  he 
rideth  with  me,  they  ween  that  he  be  some  man  of  worship 
born.  That  may  be,  said  the  Black  Knight ;  howbeit  as  ye 
say  that  he  be  no  man  of  worship,  he  is  a  full  likely  person, 
and  full  like  to  be  a  strong  man :  but  thus  much  shall  I  grant 
you,  said  the  Black  Knight ;  I  shall  put  him  down  upon  one 
foot,  and  his  horse  and  his  harness  he  shall  leave  with  me, 
for  it  were  shame  to  me  to  do  him  any  more  harm. 

When  Sir  Beaumains  heard  him  say  thus,  he  said,  Sir 
knight,  thou  art  full  large  of  my  horse  and  my  harness ;  I 
let  thee  wit  it  cost  thee  nought,  and  whether  it  liketh  thee 
or  not,  this  laund  will  I  pass  maugre  thine  head.  And  horse 
nor  harness  gettest  thou  none  of  mine,  but  if  thou  win  them 
with  thy  hands ;  and  therefore  let  see  what  thou  canst  do. 
Sayest  thou  that  ?  said  the  Black  Knight,  now  yield  thy  lady 
from  thee,  for  it  beseemeth  never  a  kitchen  page  to  ride  with 
such  a  lady.  Thou  liest,  said  Beaumains,  I  am  a  gentleman 
born,  and  of  more  high  lineage  than  thou,  and  that  will  I 
prove  on  thy  body. 

Then  in  great  wrath  they  departed  with  their  horses, 
and  came  together  as  it  had  been  the  thunder,  and  the  Black 
Knight's  spear  brake,  and  Beaumains  thrust  him  through 
both  his  sides,  and  therewith  his  spear  brake,  and  the  trun- 
cheon left  still  in  his  side.  But  nevertheless  the  Black  Knight 
drew  his  sword,  and  smote  many  eager  strokes,  and  of  great 
might,  and  hurt  Beaumains  full  sore.  But  at  the  last  the 
Black  Knight,  within  an  hour  and  an  half,  he  fell  down  off 
his  horse  in  swoon,  and  there  he  died.  And  when  Beaumains 
saw  him  so  well  horsed  and  armed,  then  he  alighted  down  and 
armed  him  in  his  armour,  and  so  took  his  horse  and  rode 
after  the  damosel. 


86  OF  SIR   GARETH 

When  she  saw  him  come  nigh,  she  said,  Away,  kitchen 
knave,  out  of  the  wind,  for  the  smell  of  thy  bawdy  clothes 
grieveth  me.  Alas,  she  said,  that  ever  such  a  knave  should 
by  mishap  slay  so  good  a  knight  as  thou  hast  done,  but  all 
this  is  thine  unhappiness.  But  here  by  is  one  shall  pay 
thee  all  thy  payment,  and  therefore  yet  I  counsel  thee,  flee. 
It  may  happen  me,  said  Beaumains,  to  be  beaten  or  slain, 
but  I  warn  you,  fair  damosel,  I  will  not  flee  away,  nor  leave 
your  company,  for  all  that  ye  can  say ;  for  ever  ye  say  that 
they  will  kill  me  or  beat  me,  but  howsomever  it  happeneth 
I  escape,  and  they  lie  on  the  ground. 

HOW  TWO  BROTHERS  OF  THE  BLACK 
KNIGHT  MET  WITH  BEAUMAINS,  AND 
FOUGHT  WITH  BEAUMAINS  TILL  THEY 
WERE  YIELDEN,  AND  HOW  THE  DAMOSEL  STILL 
REBUKED  HIM.  Thus  as  they  rode  together,  they  saw 
a  knight  come  driving  by  them  all  in  green,  both  his  horse 
and  his  harness ;  and  when  he  came  nigh  the  damosel,  he 
asked  her,  Is  that  my  brother  the  Black  Knight  that  ye 
have  brought  with  you  ?  Nay,  nay,  she  said,  this  unhappy 
kitchen  knave  hath  slain  your  brother  through  unhappiness. 
Alas,  said  the  Green  Knight,  that  is  great  pity,  that  so  noble 
a  knight  as  he  was  should  so  unhappily  be  slain,  and  namely 
of  a  knave's  hand,  as  ye  say  that  he  is.  Ah  !  traitor,  said 
the  Green  Knight,  thou  shalt  die  for  slaying  of  my  brother ; 
he  was  a  full  noble  knight,  and  his  name  was  Sir  Pereard. 
I  defy  thee,  said  Beaumains,  for  I  let  thee  wit  I  slew  him 
knightly  and  not  shamefully. 

Therewithal  the  Green  Knight  rode  unto  an  horn  that 
was  green,  and  it  hung  upon  a  thorn,  and  there  he  blew 


BEAUMAINS  AND  THE  GREEN  KNIGHT      87 

three  deadly  motes,  and  there  came  two  damosels  and  armed 
him  lightly.  And  then  he  took  a  great  horse,  and  a  green 
shield  and  a  green  spear.  And  then  they  ran  together  with 
all  their  mights,  and  brake  their  spears  unto  their  hands. 
And  then  they  drew  their  swords,  and  gave  many  sad  strokes, 
and  either  of  them  wounded  other  full  ill.  And  at  the  last, 
at  an  overthwart,  Beaumains  with  his  horse  struck  the  Green 
Knight's  horse  upon  the  side,  that  he  fell  to  the  earth.  And 
then  the  Green  Knight  avoided  his  horse  lightly,  and  dressed 
him  upon  foot.  That  saw  Beaumains,  and  therewithal  he 
alighted,  and  they  rushed  together  like  two  mighty  kemps 
a  long  while,  and  sore  they  bled  both.  With  that  came  the 
damosel,  and  said,  My  lord  the  Green  Knight,  why  for  shame 
stand  ye  so  long  fighting  with  the  kitchen  knave  ?  Alas, 
it  is  shame  that  ever  ye  were  made  knight,  to  see  such  a  lad 
to  match  such  a  knight,  as  the  weed  overgrew  the  corn. 
Therewith  the  Green  Knight  was  ashamed,  and  therewithal 
he  gave  a  great  stroke  of  might,  and  clave  his  shield  through. 
When  Beaumains  saw  his  shield  cloven  asunder  he  was  a 
little  ashamed  of  that  stroke  and  of  her  language ;  and  then 
he  gave  him  such  a  buffet  upon  the  helm  that  he  fell  on  his 
knees.  And  so  suddenly  Beaumains  pulled  him  upon  the 
ground  grovelling.  And  then  the  Green  Knight  cried  him 
mercy,  and  yielded  him  unto  Sir  Beaumains,  and  prayed 
him  to  slay  him  not.  All  is  in  vain,  said  Beaumains,  for  thou 
shalt  die  but  if  this  damosel  that  came  with  me  pray  me  to 
save  thy  life.  And  therewithal  he  unlaced  his  helm  like  as 
he  would  slay  him.  Fie  upon  thee,  false  kitchen  page,  I  will 
never  pray  thee  to  save  his  life,  for  I  will  never  be  so  much 
in  thy  danger.  Then  shall  he  die,  said  Beaumains.  Not 
so  hardy,  thou  bawdy  knave,  said  the  damosel,  that  thou 


88  OF  SIR   GARETH 

slay  him.  Alas,  said  the  Green  knight,  suffer  me  not  to  die 
for  a  fair  word  may  save  me.  Fair  Knight,  said  the  Green 
Knight,  save  my  life,  and  I  will  forgive  thee  the  death  of  my 
brother,  and  for  ever  to  become  thy  man,  and  thirty  knights 
that  hold  of  me  for  ever  shall  do  you  service.  In  the  devil's 
name,  said  the  damosel,  that  such  a  bawdy  kitchen  knave 
should  have  thee  and  thirty  knights'  service. 

Sir  knight,  said  Beaumains,  all  this  availeth  thee  not, 
but  if  my  damosel  speak  with  me  for  thy  life.  And  there- 
withal he  made  a  semblant  to  slay  him.  Let  be,  said  the 
damosel,  thou  bawdy  knave ;  slay  him  not,  for  an  thou 
do  thou  shalt  repent  it.  Damosel,  said  Beaumains,  your 
charge  is  to  me  a  pleasure,  and  at  your  commandment  his 
life  shall  be  saved,  and  else  not.  Then  he  said,  Sir  knight 
with  the  green  arms,  I  release  thee  quit  at  this  damosel's 
request,  for  I  will  not  make  her  wroth,  I  will  fulfil  all  that 
she  chargeth  me.  And  then  the  Green  Knight  kneeled  down, 
and  did  him  homage  with  his  sword.  Then  said  the  damosel, 
Me  repenteth,  Green  Knight,  of  your  damage,  and  of  your 
brother's  death,  the  Black  Knight,  for  of  your  help  I  had 
great  need,  for  I  dread  me  sore  to  pass  this  forest.  Nay, 
dread  you  not,  said  the  Green  Knight,  for  ye  shall  lodge 
with  me  this  night,  and  to-morn  I  shall  help  you  through 
this  forest.  So  they  took  their  horses  and  rode  to  his  manor, 
which  was  fast  there  beside. 

And  ever  she  rebuked  Beaumains,  and  would  not  suffer 
him  to  sit  at  her  table,  but  as  the  Green  Knight  took  him 
and  sat  him  at  a  side  table.  Marvel  methinketh,  said  the 
Green  Knight  to  the  damosel,  why  ye  rebuke  this  noble 
knight  as  ye  do,  for  I  warn  you,  damosel,  he  is  a  full  noble 
knight,  and  I  know  no  knight  is  able  to  match  him ;  there- 


HOW  THE  DAMOSEL  REBUKED  HIM         89 

fore  ye  do  great  wrong  to  rebuke  him,  for  he  shall  do  you 
right  good  service,  for  whatsomever  he  maketh  himself, 
ye  shall  prove  at  the  end  that  he  is  come  of  a  noble  blood 
and  of  king's  lineage.  Fie,  fie,  said  the  damosel,  it  is  shame 
for  you  to  say  of  him  such  worship. 

And  so  on  the  morn  they  all  arose,  and  heard  their  mass 
and  brake  their  fast ;  and  then  they  took  their  horses  and 
rode  on  their  way,  and  the  Green  Knight  conveyed  them 
through  the  forest ;  and  there  the  Green  Knight  said,  My 
lord  Beaumains,  I  and  these  thirty  knights  shall  be  always 
at  your  summons,  both  early  and  late,  at  your  calling  and 
whither  that  ever  ye  will  send  us.  It  is  well  said,  said  Beau- 
mains  ;  when  that  I  call  upon  you  ye  must  yield  you  unto 
King  Arthur,  and  all  your  knights.  If  that  ye  so  command 
us,  we  shall  be  ready  at  all  times,  said  the  Green  Knight. 
Fie,  fie  upon  thee,  in  the  devil's  name,  said  the  damosel,  that 
any  good  knights  should  be  obedient  unto  a  kitchen  knave. 
So  then  departed  the  Green  Knight  and  the  damosel.  And 
then  she  said  unto  Beaumains,  Why  followest  thou  me,  thou 
kitchen  boy  ?  Cast  away  thy  shield  and  thy  spear,  and 
flee  away,  yet  I  counsel  thee,  betimes,  or  thou  shalt  say  right 
soon,  alas  ;  for  wert  thou  as  wight  as  ever  was  Wade  or  Launce- 
lot,  Tristram,  or  the  good  knight  Sir  Lamorak,  thou  shalt  not 
pass  a  pass  here  that  is  called  the  Pass  Perilous.  Damosel, 
said  Beaumains,  who  is  afeard  let  him  flee,  for  it  were  shame 
to  turn  again  sithen  I  have  ridden  so  long  with  you.  Well, 
said  the  damosel,  ye  shall  soon,  whether  ye  will  or  not. 

So  within  a  while  they  saw  a  tower  as  white  as  any  snow, 
well  matchecold  all  about,  and  double  dyked.  And  over 
the  tower  gate  there  hung  a  fifty  shields  of  divers  colours, 
and  under  that  tower  there  was  a  fair  meadow.  And  therein 


90  OF  SIR  GARETH 

were  many  knights  and  squires  to  behold,  scaffolds  and 
pavilions  ;  for  there  upon  the  morn  should  be  a  great  tourna- 
ment :  and  the  lord  of  the  tower  was  in  his  castle  and  looked 
out  at  a  window,  and  saw  a  damosel,  a  dwarf,  and  a  knight 
armed  at  all  points.  With  that  knight  will  I  joust,  said  the 
lord,  for  I  see  that  he  is  a  knight-errant.  And  so  he  armed 
him  and  horsed  him  hastily.  And  when  he  was  on  horse- 
back with  his  shield  and  his  spear,  it  was  all  red,  both  his 
horse  and  his  harness,  and  all  that  to  him  longeth.  And 
when  that  he  came  nigh  him  he  weened  it  had  been  his  brother 
the  Black  Knight ;  and  then  he  cried  aloud,  Brother,  what 
do  ye  in  these  marches  ?  Nay,  nay,  said  the  damosel,  it  is 
not  he ;  this  is  but  a  kitchen  knave  that  was  brought  up  for 
alms  in  King  Arthur's  court.  Nevertheless,  said  the  Red 
Knight,  I  will  speak  with  him  or  he  depart.  Ah,  said  the 
damosel,  this  knave  hath  killed  thy  brother,  and  Sir  Kay 
named  him  Beaumains,  and  this  horse  and  this  harness  was 
thy  brother's,  the  Black  Knight.  Also  I  saw  thy  brother  the 
Green  Knight  overcome  of  his  hands.  Now  may  ye  be  re- 
venged upon  him,  for  I  may  never  be  quit  of  him. 

With  this  either  knights  departed  in  sunder,  and  they 
came  together  with  all  their  might,  and  either  of  their  horses 
fell  to  the  earth,  and  they  avoided  their  horses,  and  put  their 
shields  afore  them  and  drew  their  swords,  and  either  gave 
other  sad  strokes,  now  here,  now  there,  racing,  tracing, 
foining,  and  hurling  like  two  boars,  the  space  of  two  hours. 
And  then  she  cried  on  high  to  the  Red  Knight,  Alas,  thou 
noble  Red  Knight,  think  what  worship  hath  followed  thee, 
let  never  a  kitchen  knave  endure  thee  so  long  as  he  doth. 
Then  the  Red  Knight  waxed  wroth  and  doubled  his  strokes, 
and  hurt  Beaumains  wonderly  sore,  that  the  blood  ran  down 


OF  THE  RED   KNIGHT  AND  BEAUMAINS     91 

to  the  ground,  that  it  was  wonder  to  see  that  strong  battle. 
Yet  at  the  last  Sir  Beaumains  struck  him  to  the  earth,  and  as 
he  would  have  slain  the  Red  Knight,  he  cried  mercy,  saying, 
Noble  knight,  slay  me  not,  and  I  shall  yield  me  to  thee  with 
fifty  knights  with  me  that  be  at  my  commandment.  And 
I  forgive  thee  all  the  despite  that  thou  hast  done  to  me,  and 
the  death  of  my  brother  the  Black  Knight.  All  this  availeth 
not,  said  Beaumains,  but  if  my  damosel  pray  me  to  save  thy 
life.  And  therewith  he  made  semblant  to  strike  off  his  head. 
Let  be,  thou  Beaumains,  slay  him  not,  for  he  is  a  noble 
knight,  and  not  so  hardy,  upon  thine  head,  but  thou  save 
him. 

Then  Beaumains  bade  the  Red  Knight,  Stand  up,  and 
thank  the  damosel  now  of  thy  life.  Then  the  Red  Knight 
prayed  him  to  see  his  castle,  and  to  be  there  all  night.  So 
the  damosel  then  granted  him,  and  there  they  had  merry 
cheer.  But  always  the  damosel  spake  many  foul  words 
unto  Beaumains,  whereof  the  Red  Knight  had  great  marvel ; 
and  all  that  night  the  Red  Knight  made  three  score  knights 
to  watch  Beaumains,  that  he  should  have  no  shame  nor 
villainy.  And  upon  the  morn  they  heard  mass  and  dined, 
and  the  Red  Knight  came  before  Beaumains  with  his  three 
score  knights,  and  there  he  proffered  him  his  homage  and 
fealty  at  all  times,  he  and  his  knights  to  do  him  service.  I 
thank  you,  said  Beaumains,  but  this  ye  shall  grant  me : 
when  I  call  upon  you,  to  come  afore  my  lord  King  Arthur, 
and  yield  you  unto  him  to  be  his  knights.  Sir,  said  the 
Red  Knight,  I  will  be  ready,  and  my  fellowship,  at  your 
summons.  So  Sir  Beaumains  departed  and  the  damosel, 
and  ever  she  rode  chiding  him  in  the  foulest  manner. 


92  OF   SIR   GARETH 

HOW  SIR  BEAUMAINS  ANSWERED 
THE  DAMOSEL  PATIENTLY,  AND 
HOW  HE  FOUGHT  WITH  THE 
FOURTH  BROTHER,  SIR  PERSANT 
OF  INDE,  AND  MADE  HIM  TO  BE 
YOLDEN.  Damosel,  said  Beaumains,  ye 
are  uncourteous  so  to  rebuke  me  as  ye  do,  for  meseemeth 
I  have  done  you  good  service,  and  ever  ye  threaten  me  I  shall 
be  beaten  with  knights  that  we  meet,  but  ever  for  all  your 
boast  they  lie  in  the  dust  or  in  the  mire,  and  therefore  I  pray 
you  rebuke  me  no  more ;  and  when  ye  see  me  beaten  or 
yolden  as  recreant,  then  may  ye  bid  me  go  from  you  shame- 
fully ;  but  first  I  let  you  wit  I  will  not  depart  from  you, 
for  I  were  worse  than  a  fool  an  I  would  depart  from  you  all 
the  while  that  I  win  worship.  Well,  said  she,  right  soon 
there  shall  meet  a  knight  shall  pay  thee  all  thy  wages,  for 
he  is  the  most  man  of  worship  of  the  world,  except  King 
Arthur.  I  will  well,  said  Beaumains,  the  more  he  is  of  wor- 
ship, the  more  shall  be  my  worship  to  have  ado  with  him. 

Then  anon  they  were  ware  where  was  afore  them  a  city 
rich  and  fair.  And  betwixt  them  and  the  city  a  mile  and 
an  half  there  was  a  fair  meadow  that  seemed  new  mown, 
and  therein  were  many  pavilions  fair  to  behold.  Lo,  said 
the  damosel,  yonder  is  a  lord  that  owneth  yonder  city,  and 
his  custom  is,  when  the  weather  is  fair,  to  lie  in  this  meadow 
to  joust  and  tourney.  And  ever  there  be  about  him  an 
hundred  knights  and  gentlemen  of  arms,  and  there  be  all 
manner  of  games  that  any  gentleman  can  devise.  That 
goodly  lord,  said  Beaumains,  would  I  fain  see.  Thou  shalt 
see  him  time  enough,  said  the  damosel,  and  so  as  she  rode 
near  she  espied  the  pavilion  where  he  was.  Lo,  said  she, 


BEAUMAINS  AND  THE   DAMOSEL  93 

seest  thou  yonder  pavilion  that  is  all  of  the  colour  of  Inde, 
and  all  manner  of  thing  that  there  is  about  men  and  women, 
and  horses  trapped,  shields  and  spears  were  all  of  the  colour 
of  Inde,  and  his  name  is  Sir  Persant  of  Inde,  the  most  lordliest 
knight  that  ever  thou  lookedst  on.  It  may  well  be,  said 
Beaumains,  but  be  he  never  so  stout  a  knight,  in  this  field 
I  shall  abide  till  that  I  see  him  under  his  shield.  Ah,  fool, 
said  she,  thou  wert  better  flee  betimes.  Why,  said  Beau- 
mains,  an  he  be  such  a  knight  as  ye  make  him,  he  will  not 
set  upon  me  with  all  his  men,  or  with  his  hundred  knights. 
For  an  there  come  no  more  but  one  at  once,  I  shall  him  not 
fail  whilst  my  life  lasteth.  Fie,  fie,  said  the  damosel,  that 
ever  such  a  stinking  knave  should  blow  such  a  boast.  Damo- 
sel, he  said,  ye  are  to  blame  so  to  rebuke  me,  for  I  had 
liefer  do  five  battles  than  so  to  be  rebuked ;  let  him  come 
and  then  let  him  do  his  worst. 

Sir,  she  said,  I  marvel  what  thou  art  and  of  what  kin 
thou  art  come ;  boldly  thou  speakest,  and  boldly  thou  hast 
done,  that  have  I  seen ;  therefore  I  pray  thee  save  thyself 
an  thou  mayest,  for  thy  horse  and  thou  have  had  great  tra- 
vail, and  I  dread  we  dwell  over  long  from  the  siege,  for  it 
is  but  hence  seven  mile,  and  all  perilous  passages  we  are 
passed  save  all  only  this  passage,  and  there  I  dread  me  sore 
lest  ye  shall  catch  some  hurt ;  therefore  I  would  ye  were 
hence,  that  ye  were  not  bruised  nor  hurt  with  this  strong 
knight.  But  I  let  you  wit  this  Sir  Persant  of  Inde  is  nothing 
of  might  nor  strength  unto  the  knight  that  laid  the  siege 
about  my  lady.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Beaumains,  be  it  as 
it  be  may.  For  sithen  I  am  come  so  nigh  this  knight  I  will 
prove  his  might  or  I  depart  from  him,  and  else  I  shall  be 
shamed  an  I  now  withdraw  me  from  him.  And  therefore, 


94  OF  SIR  GARETH 

damosel,  have  ye  no  doubt  by  the  grace  of  God  I  shall  so 
deal  with  this  knight  that  within  two  hours  after  noon  1 
shall  deliver  him.  And  then  shall  we  come  to  the  siege  by 
daylight.  O  Jesu,  marvel  have  I,  said  the  damosel,  what 
manner  a  man  ye  be,  for  it  may  never  be  otherwise  but  that 
ye  be  come  of  a  noble  blood,  for  so  foul  nor  shamefully  did 
never  woman  rule  a  knight  as  I  have  done  you,  and  ever 
courteously  ye  have  suffered  me,  and  that  came  never  but 
of  a  gentle  blood. 

Damosel,  said  Beaumains,  a  knight  may  little  do  that 
may  not  suffer  a  damosel,  for  whatsomever  ye  said  unto 
me  I  took  none  heed  to  your  words,  for  the  more  ye  said 
the  more  ye  angered  me,  and  my  wrath  I  wreaked  upon 
them  that  I  had  ado  withal.  And  therefore  all  the  mis- 
saying  that  ye  missaid  me  furthered  me  in  my  battle,  and 
caused  me  to  think  to  show  and  prove  myself  at  the  end 
what  I  was ;  for  peradventure  though  I  had  meat  in  King 
Arthur's  kitchen,  yet  I  might  have  had  meat  enough  in 
other  places,  but  all  that  I  did  it  for  to  prove  and  assay  my 
friends,  and  that  shall  be  known  another  day;  and  whether 
that  I  be  a  gentleman  born  or  none,  I  let  you  wit,  fair  damo- 
sel, I  have  done  you  gentleman's  service,  and  peradventure 
better  service  yet  will  I  do  or  I  depart  from  you.  Alas,  she 
said,  fair  Beaumains,  forgive  me  all  that  I  have  missaid  or 
done  against  thee.  With  all  my  heart,  said  he,  I  forgive 
it  you,  for  ye  did  nothing  but  as  ye  should  do,  for  all  your 
evil  words  pleased  me ;  and  damosel,  said  Beaumains,  since 
it  liketh  you  to  say  thus  fair  unto  me,  wit  ye  well  it  gladdeth 
my  heart  greatly,  and  now  meseemeth  there  is  no  knight 
living  but  I  am  able  enough  for  him. 

With  this  Sir  Persant  of  Inde  had  espied  them  as  they 


BEAUMAINS   FIGHTS   SIR   PERSANT  95 

hoved  in  the  field,  and  knightly  he  sent  to  them  whether 
he  came  in  war  or  in  peace.  Say  to  thy  lord,  said  Beau- 
mains,  I  take  no  force,  but  whether  as  him  list  himself.  So 
the  messenger  went  again  unto  Sir  Persant  and  told  him 
all  his  answer.  Well  then  will  I  have  ado  with  him  to  the 
utterance,  and  so  he  purveyed  him  and  rode  against  him. 
And  Beaumains  saw  him  and  made  him  ready,  and  there 
they  met  with  all  that  ever  their  horses  might  run,  and  brast 
their  spears  either  in  three  pieces,  and  their  horses  rushed  so 
together  that  both  their  horses  fell  dead  to  the  earth  ;  and  lightly 
they  avoided  their  horses  and  put  their  shields  afore  them, 
and  drew  their  swords,  and  gave  many  great  strokes  that 
sometime  they  hurtled  together  that  they  fell  grovelling 
on  the  ground.  And  at  the  last  Beaumains  smote  Sir  Persant 
above  upon  the  helm,  that  he  fell  grovelling  to  the  earth  ;  and 
then  he  leapt  upon  him  overthwart  and  unlaced  his  helm  to 
have  slain  him. 

Then  Sir  Persant  yielded  him  and  asked  him  mercy.  With 
that  came  the  damosel  and  prayed  to  save  his  life.  I  will 
well,  for  it  were  pity  this  noble  knight  should  die.  Gramercy, 
said  Persant,  gentle  knight  and  damosel.  For  certainly 
now  I  wot  well  it  was  ye  that  slew  my  brother  the  Black 
Knight  at  the  black  thorn ;  he  was  a  full  noble  knight,  his 
name  was  Sir  Pereard.  Also  I  am  sure  that  ye  are  he  that 
won  mine  other  brother  the  Green  Knight,  his  name  was  Sir 
Pertolepe.  Also  ye  won  my  brother  the  Red  Knight,  Sir 
Perimones.  And  now  since  ye  have  won  these,  this  shall  I 
do  for  to  please  you  :  ye  shall  have  homage  and  fealty  of  me, 
and  an  hundred  knights  to  be  always  at  your  command- 
ment, to  go  and  ride  where  ye  will  command  us.  And 
so  they  went  unto  Sir  Persant's  pavilion  and  drank  the  wine, 


96  OF   SIR   GARETH 

and  ate  spices,  and  afterward  Sir  Persant  made  him  to  rest 
upon  a  bed  until  supper  time,  and  after  supper  to  bed  again. 

OF  THE  GOODLY  COMMUNICATION  BE- 
TWEEN SIR  PERSANT  AND  BEAUMAINS, 
AND  HOW  THE  LADY  THAT  WAS  BE- 
SIEGED HAD  WORD  FROM  HER  SISTER  THAT 
SHE  HAD  BROUGHT  A  KNIGHT  TO  FIGHT  FOR 
HER.  And  so  on  the  morn  the  damosel  and  Sir  Beaumains 
heard  mass  and  brake  their  fast,  and  so  took  their  leave.  Fair 
damosel,  said  Persant,  whitherward  are  ye  way-leading  this 
knight  ?  Sir,  she  said,  this  knight  is  going  to  the  siege  that 
besiegeth  my  sister  in  the  Castle  Dangerous.  Ah,  ah,  said 
Persant,  that  is  the  Knight  of  the  Red  Laund,  the  which 
is  the  most  perilous  knight  that  I  know  now  living,  and  a 
man  that  is  without  mercy,  and  men  say  that  he  hath  seven 
men's  strength.  God  save  you,  said  he  to  Beaumains,  from 
that  knight,  for  he  doth  great  wrong  to  that  lady,  and  that 
is  great  pity,  for  she  is  one  of  the  fairest  ladies  of  the  world, 
and  meseemeth  that  your  damosel  is  her  sister :  is  not  your 
name  Linet  ?  said  he.  Yea,  sir,  said  she,  and  my  lady  my 
sister's  name  is  Dame  Lionesse.  Now  shall  I  tell  you,  said 
Sir  Persant,  this  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Laund  hath  lain 
long  at  the  siege,  well-nigh  this  two  years,  and  many  times 
he  might  have  had  her  an  he  had  would,  but  he  prolongeth 
the  time  to  this  intent,  for  to  have  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  to 
do  battle  with  him,  or  Sir  Tristram,  or  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis, 
or  Sir  Gawaine,  and  this  is  his  tarrying  so  long  at  the  siege. 
Now  my  lord  Sir  Persant  of  Inde,  said  the  damosel  Linet, 
I  require  you  that  ye  will  make  this  gentleman  knight  or  ever 
he  fight  with  the  Red  Knight.  I  will  with  all  my  heart, 


OF  SIR   PERSANT  AND   BEAUMAINS          97 

said  Sir  Persant,  an  it  please  him  to  take  the  order  of  knight- 
hood of  so  simple  a  man  as  I  am.  Sir,  said  Beaumains, 
I  thank  you  for  your  good  will,  for  I  am  better  sped,  for 
certainly  the  noble  knight  Sir  Launcelot  made  me  knight. 
Ah,  said  Sir  Persant,  of  a  more  renowned  knight  might  ye 
not  be  made  knight ;  for  of  all  knights  he  may  be  called  chief 
of  knighthood;  and  so  all  the  world  saith,  that  betwixt 
three  knights  is  departed  clearly  knighthood,  that  is  Launce- 
lot du  Lake,  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones,  and  Sir  Lamorak  de 
Galis :  these  bear  now  the  renown.  Therefore  God  speed 
you  well,  said  Sir  Persant,  for  an  ye  may  match  the  Red 
Knight  ye  shall  be  called  the  fourth  of  the  world. 

Sir,  said  Beaumains,  I  would  fain  be  of  good  fame  and 
of  knighthood.  And  I  let  you  wit  I  came  of  good  men, 
for  I  dare  say  my  father  was  a  noble  man,  and  so  that  ye 
will  keep  it  in  close,  and  this  damosel,  I  will  tell  you  of  what 
kin  I  am.  We  will  not  discover  you,  said  they  both,  till  ye 
command  us,  by  the  faith  we  owe  unto  God.  Truly  then, 
said  he,  my  name  is  Gareth  of  Orkney,  and  King  Lot  was 
my  father,  and  my  mother  is  King  Arthur's  sister,  her  name 
is  Dame  Morgawse,  and  Sir  Gawaine  is  my  brother,  and 
Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Gaheris,  and  I  am  the  youngest  of 
them  all.  And  yet  wot  not  King  Arthur  nor  Sir  Gawaine 
what  I  am. 

So  the  book  saith  that  the  lady  that  was  besieged  had 
word  of  her  sister's  coming  by  the  dwarf,  and  a  knight  with 
her,  and  how  he  had  passed  all  the  perilous  passages.  What 
manner  a  man  is  he  ?  said  the  lady.  He  is  a  noble  knight, 
truly,  madam,  said  the  dwarf,  and  but  a  young  man,  but 
he  is  as  likely  a  man  as  ever  ye  saw  any.  What  is  he  ?  said 
the  damosel,  and  of  what  kin  is  he  come,  and  of  whom  was 


98  OF  SIR  GARETH 

he  made  knight  ?  Madam,  said  the  dwarf,  he  is  the  king's 
son  of  Orkney,  but  his  name  I  will  not  tell  you  as  at  this 
time ;  but  wit  ye  well,  of  Sir  Launcelot  was  he  made 
knight. 

Dwarf,  said  the  lady,  I  am  glad  of  these  tidings,  there- 
fore go  thou  in  an  hermitage  of  mine  hereby,  and  there  shalt 
thou  bear  with  thee  of  my  wine  in  two  flagons  of  silver,  they 
are  of  two  gallons,  and  also  two  cast  of  bread  with  fat  venison 
baked,  and  dainty  fowls ;  and  a  cup  of  gold  here  I  deliver 
thee,  that  is  rich  and  precious ;  and  bear  all  this  to  mine 
hermitage,  and  put  it  in  the  hermit's  hands.  And  sithen 
go  thou  unto  my  sister  and  greet  her  well,  and  commend 
me  unto  that  gentle  knight,  and  pray  him  to  eat  and  to 
drink  and  make  him  strong,  and  say  ye  him  I  thank  him 
of  his  courtesy  and  goodness,  that  he  would  take  upon  him 
such  labour  for  me  that  never  did  him  bounty  nor  courtesy. 
Also  pray  him  that  he  be  of  good  heart  and  courage,  for 
he  shall  meet  with  a  full  noble  knight,  but  he  is  neither  of 
bounty,  courtesy,  nor  gentleness ;  for  he  attendeth  unto 
nothing  but  to  murder,  and  that  is  the  cause  I  cannot  praise 
him  nor  love  him. 

So  this  dwarf  departed,  and  came  to  Sir  Persant,  where 
he  found  the  damosel  Linet  and  Sir  Beaumains,  and  there 
he  told  them  all  as  ye  have  heard ;  and  then  they  took  their 
leave,  but  Sir  Persant  took  an  ambling  hackney  and  con- 
veyed them  on  their  ways,  and  then  beleft  them  to  God ; 
and  so  within  a  little  while  they  came  to  that  hermitage, 
and  there  they  drank  the  wine,  and  ate  the  venison  and  the 
fowls  baken. 


BEAUMAINS  COMES  TO  THE  SIEGE          99 

HOW  BEAUMAINS  BLEW  A  HORN, 
AND  THEN  THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE 
RED  LAUNDS  CAME  TO  FIGHT 
WITH  HIM,  AND  HOW  BEAUMAINS  MADE  HIM 
YIELD  TO  THE  LADY  AND  GO  UNTO  KING 
ARTHUR'S  COURT  AND  CRY  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
MERCY,  AND  OF  THE  TROTH  PLIGHT  OF  BEAU- 
MAINS  AND  THE  LADY.  Upon  the  morn  Beaumains 
and  the  damosel  Linet  heard  their  mass  and  brake  their  fast. 
And  then  they  took  their  horses  and  came  to  a  plain,  and  saw 
where  were  many  pavilions  and  tents,  and  a  fair  castle,  and 
there  was  much  smoke  and  great  noise ;  and  when  they  came 
near  the  siege  Sir  Beaumains  espied  upon  great  trees,  as  he 
rode,  how  there  hung  full  goodly  armed  knights  by  the  neck, 
and  their  shields  about  their  necks  with  their  swords,  and 
gilt  spurs  upon  their  heels,  and  so  there  hung  nigh  a  forty 
knights  shamefully  with  full  rich  arms. 

Then  Sir  Beaumains  abated  his  countenance  and  said, 
What  meaneth  this  ?  Fair  sir,  said  the  damosel,  abate  not 
your  cheer  for  all  this  sight,  for  ye  must  courage  yourself, 
or  else  ye  be  all  shent,  for  all  these  knights  came  hither  to 
this  siege  to  rescue  my  sister  Dame  Lionesse,  and  when  the 
Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds  had  overcome  them,  he  put 
them  to  this  shameful  death  without  mercy  and  pity.  And  in 
the  same  wise  he  will  serve  you,  but  if  you  quit  you  the  better. 
Now  Jesu  defend  me,  said  Beaumains,  from  such  a  villain- 
ous death  and  shenship  of  arms.  For  rather  than  I  should 
so  be  faren  withal,  I  would  be  slain  manly  in  plain  battle. 
So  were  ye  better,  said  the  damosel ;  for  trust  not,  in  him  is 
no  courtesy,  but  all  goeth  to  the  death  or  shameful  murder, 
and  that  is  pity,  for  he  is  a  full  noble  knight  of  prowess. 


ioo  OF  SIR  GARETH 

And  then  they  rode  to  the  dykes,  and  saw  them  double 
dyked  with  full  warlike  walls ;  and  there  were  lodged  many 
great  lords  nigh  the  walls ;  and  there  was  great  noise  of 
minstrelsy ;  and  the  sea  beat  upon  the  one  side  of  the  walls, 
where  were  many  ships  and  mariners'  noise  with  "hale  and 
how."  And  also  there  was  fast  by  a  sycamore  tree,  and  there 
hung  an  horn,  the  greatest  that  ever  they  saw,  of  an  elephant's 
bone ;  and  this  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds  had  hanged  it  up 
there,  that  if  there  came  any  errant-knight,  he  must  blow  that 
horn,  and  then  will  he  make  him  ready  and  come  to  him  to  do 
battle.  But,  sir,  I  pray  you,  said  the  damosel  Linet,  blow  ye 
not  the  horn  till  it  be  high  noon,  for  now  it  is  about  prime, 
and  now  increaseth  his  might,  that  as  men  say  he  hath  seven 
men's  strength.  Ah,  fie  for  shame,  fair  damosel,  say  ye  never 
so  more  to  me ;  for,  an  he  were  as  good  a  knight  as  ever  was, 
I  shall  never  fail  him  in  his  most  might,  for  either  I  will  win 
worship  worshipfully,  or  die  knightly  in  the  field.  And 
therewith  he  spurred  his  horse  straight  to  the  sycamore  tree, 
and  blew  so  the  horn  eagerly  that  all  the  siege  and  the  castle 
rang  thereof.  And  then  there  leapt  out  knights  out  of  their 
tents  and  pavilions,  and  they  within  the  castle  looked  over 
the  walls  and  out  at  windows. 

Then  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds  armed  him 
hastily,  and  two  barons  set  on  his  spurs  upon  his  heels,  and 
all  was  blood  red,  his  armour,  spear  and  shield.  And  an 
earl  buckled  his  helm  upon  his  head,  and  then  they  brought 
him  a  red  spear  and  a  red  steed,  and  so  he  rode  into  a  little 
vale  under  the  castle,  that  all  that  were  in  the  castle  and  at 
the  siege  might  behold  the  battle. 

Sir,  said  the  damosel  Linet  unto  Sir  Beaumains,  look  ye 
be  glad  and  light,  for  yonder  is  your  deadly  enemy,  and  at 


THE   KNIGHT  OF  THE   RED   LAUNDS        101 

yonder  window  is  my  lady  sister,  Dame  Lionesse.  Where  ? 
said  Beaumains.  Yonder,  said  the  damosel,  and  pointed 
with  her  finger.  That  is  truth,  said  Beaumains.  She  be- 
seemeth  afar  the  fairest  lady  that  ever  I  looked  upon ;  and 
truly,  he  said,  I  ask  no  better  quarrel  than  now  for  to  do 
battle,  for  truly  she  shall  be  my  lady,  and  for  her  I  will  fight. 
And  ever  he  looked  up  to  the  window  with  glad  countenance, 
and  the  Lady  Lionesse  made  curtsey  to  him  down  to  the 
earth,  with  holding  up  both  their  hands. 

With  that  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds  called  to 
Sir  Beaumains,  Leave,  sir  knight,  thy  looking,  and  behold 
me,  I  counsel  thee ;  for  I  warn  thee  well  she  is  my  lady, 
and  for  her  I  have  done  many  strong  battles.  If  thou  have 
so  done,  said  Beaumains,  meseemeth  it  was  but  waste  labour, 
for  she  loveth  none  of  thy  fellowship,  and  thou  to  love  that 
loveth  not  thee  is  but  great  folly.  For  an  I  understood 
that  she  were  not  glad  of  my  coming,  I  would  be  advised  or 
I  did  battle  for  her.  But  I  understand  by  the  besieging 
of  this  castle  she  may  forbear  thy  fellowship.  And  therefore 
wit  thou  well,  thou  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  I  love 
her,  and  will  rescue  her,  or  else  to  die.  Sayst  thou  that  ? 
said  the  Red  Knight,  meseemeth  thou  ought  of  reason  to  be 
ware  by  yonder  knights  that  thou  sawest  hang  upon  yonder 
trees.  Fie  for  shame,  said  Beaumains,  that  ever  thou  shouldest 
say  or  do  so  evil,  for  in  that  thou  shamest  thyself  and  knight- 
hood, and  thou  mayst  be  sure  there  will  no  lady  love  thee  that 
knoweth  thy  wicked  customs.  And  now  thou  weenest  that 
the  sight  of  these  hanged  knights  should  fear  me.  Nay  truly, 
not  so ;  that  shameful  sight  causeth  me  to  have  courage  and 
hardiness  against  thee,  more  than  I  would  have  had  against 
thee  an  thou  wert  a  well-ruled  knight.  Make  thee  ready, 


102  OF  SIR  GARETH 

said  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  and  talk  no  longer 
with  me. 

Then  Sir  Beaumains  bade  the  damosel  go  from  him ;  and 
then  they  put  their  spears  in  their  rests,  and  came  together 
with  all  their  might  that  they  had  both,  and  either  smote  other 
in  midst  of  their  shields  that  the  paitrelles,  surcingles,  and 
cruppers  brast,  and  fell  to  the  earth  both,  and  the  reins  of 
their  bridles  in  their  hands ;  and  so  they  lay  a  great  while 
sore  astonied.  Then  they  avoided  their  horses  and  put  their 
shields  afore  them,  and  drew  their  swords  and  ran  together  like 
two  fierce  lions. 

Thus  they  fought  till  it  was  past  noon,  and  never  would 
stint,  till  at  the  last  they  lacked  wind  both ;  and  when  they 
had  rested  them  a  while  they  went  to  battle  again,  tracing, 
racing,  foining  as  two  boars.  And  thus  they  endured  till 
evensong  time,  that  there  was  none  that  beheld  them  might 
know  whether  was  like  to  win  the  battle ;  and  their  armour 
was  so  far  hewn  that  men  might  see  their  naked  sides ;  and 
in  other  places  they  were  naked,  but  ever  the  naked  places 
they  did  defend.  And  the  Red  Knight  was  a  wily  knight 
of  war,  and  his  wily  fighting  taught  Sir  Beaumains  to  be 
wise ;  but  he  abought  it  full  sore  ere  he  did  espy  his  fighting. 

And  thus  by  assent  of  them  both  they  granted  either 
other  to  rest;  and  so  they  set  them  down  upon  two  mole- 
hills there  beside  the  fighting  place,  and  either  of  them  un- 
laced his  helm,  and  took  the  cold  wind.  And  then  when 
Sir  Beaumains'  helm  was  off,  he  looked  up  to  the  window, 
and  there  he  saw  the  fair  lady  Dame  Lionesse,  and  she  made 
him  such  countenance  that  his  heart  waxed  light  and  jolly ; 
and  therewith  he  bade  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds 
make  him  ready,  and  let  us  do  the  battle  to  the  utterance. 


BEAUMAINS  OVERCOMES  THE  RED   KNIGHT    103 

I  will  well,  said  the  knight,  and  then  they  laced  up  their 
helms  and  fought  freshly ;  but  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red 
Launds  awaited  him,  and  at  an  overthwart  smote  him  within 
the  hand,  that  his  sword  fell  out  of  his  hand  ;  and  yet  he  gave 
him  another  buffet  upon  the  helm  that  he  fell  grovelling  to 
the  earth,  and  the  Red  Knight  fell  over  him,  for  to  hold  him 
down. 

Then  cried  the  maiden  Linet  on  high :  O  Sir  Beaumains, 
where  is  thy  courage  become  ?  Alas,  my  lady  my  sister 
beholdeth  thee,  and  she  sobbeth  and  weepeth,  that  maketh 
mine  heart  heavy.  When  Sir  Beaumains  heard  her  say  so, 
he  abraid  up  with  a  great  might  and  gat  him  upon  his  feet, 
and  lightly  he  leapt  to  his  sword  and  gripped  it  in  his  hand,  and 
doubled  his  pace  unto  the  Red  Knight,  and  there  they  fought 
a  new  battle  together.  But  Sir  Beaumains  then  doubled  his 
strokes,  and  smote  so  thick  that  he  smote  the  sword  out  of 
his  hand,  and  then  he  smote  him  upon  the  helm  that  he  fell  to 
the  earth,  and  Sir  Beaumains  fell  upon  him,  and  unlaced  his 
helm  to  have  slain  him ;  and  then  he  yielded  him  and  asked 
mercy,  and  said  with  a  loud  voice :  O  noble  knight,  I  yield 
me  to  thy  mercy. 

Then  Sir  Beaumains  bethought  him  upon  the  knights 
that  the  Red  Knight  had  made  to  be  hanged  shamefully, 
and  then  he  said :  I  may  not  with  my  worship  save  thy  life, 
for  the  shameful  deaths  that  thou  hast  caused  many  full  good 
knights  to  die.  Sir,  said  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds, 
hold  your  hand  and  ye  shall  know  the  causes  why  I  put 
them  to  so  shameful  a  death.  Say  on,  said  Sir  Beaumains. 
Sir,  I  loved  once  a  lady,  a  fair  damosel,  and  she  had  her  brother 
slain ;  and  she  said  it  was  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  or  else  Sir 
Gawaine;  and  she  prayed  me  as  that  I  loved  her  heartily, 


104  OF  SIR   GARETH 

that  I  would  make  her  a  promise  by  the  faith  of  my  knight- 
hood, for  to  labour  daily  in  arms  until  I  met  with  one  of  them  ; 
and  all  that  I  might  overcome  I  should  put  them  unto  a  villain- 
ous death ;  and  this  is  the  cause  that  I  have  put  all  these 
knights  to  death,  and  so  I  ensured  her  to  do  all  the  villainy 
unto  King  Arthur's  knights,  and  that  I  should  take  vengeance 
upon  all  these  knights 

Then  came  there  many  earls,  and  barons,  and  noble 
knights,  and  prayed  that  knight  to  save  his  life,  and  take  him 
to  your  prisoner.  Fair  lords,  said  Beaumains,  wit  you  well  I 
am  full  loath  to  slay  this  knight,  nevertheless  he  hath  done 
passing  ill  and  shamefully ;  but  insomuch  all  that  he  did  was 
at  a  lady's  request  I  blame  him  the  less  ;  and  so  for  your  sake 
I  will  release  him  that  he  shall  have  his  life  upon  this  covenant, 
that  he  go  within  the  castle,  and  yield  him  there  to  the  lady, 
and  if  she  will  forgive  and  quit  him,  I  will  well ;  with  this  he 
make  her  amends  of  all  the  trespass  he  hath  done  against  her 
and  her  lands.  And  also,  when  that  is  done,  that  ye  go  unto 
the  court  of  King  Arthur,  and  there  that  ye  ask  Sir  Launcelot 
mercy,  and  Sir  Gawaine,  for  the  evil  will  ye  have  had  against 
them.  Sir,  said  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  all  this 
will  I  do  as  ye  command,  and  siker  assurance  and  borrows  ye 
shall  have.  And  so  then  when  the  assurance  was  made,  he 
made  his  homage  and  fealty,  and  all  those  earls  and  barons 
with  him. 

And  then  the  maiden  Linet  came  to  Sir  Beaumains,  and 
unarmed  him  and  searched  his  wounds,  and  stinted  his 
blood,  and  in  like  wise  she  did  to  the  Red  Knight  of  the 
Red  Launds.  And  there  they  sojourned  ten  days  in  their 
tents ;  and  the  Red  Knight  made  his  lords  and  servants 
to  do  all  the  pleasure  that  they  might  unto  Sir  Beaumains. 


OF  THE  QUEEN  OF  ORKNEY  105 

And  so  within  a  while  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds 
went  unto  the  castle,  and  put  him  in  her  grace.  And  so  she 
received  him  upon  sufficient  surety,  so  all  her  hurts  were  well 
restored  of  all  that  she  could  complain.  And  then  came  forth 
Dame  Lionesse  arrayed  like  a  princess,  and  there  she  made  Sir 
Gareth  passing  good  cheer,  and  he  her  again ;  and  they  had 
goodly  language  and  lovely  countenance  together.  And  then 
she  let  fetch  to-fore  him  Linet,  the  damosel  that  had  ridden 
with  him  many  wildsome  ways.  Then  was  Sir  Gareth  more 
gladder  than  he  was  to-fore.  And  then  they  troth-plight 
each  other  to  love  and  never  to  fail  whiles  their  life  lasteth. 

HOW  THE  QUEEN  OF  ORKNEY  CAME 
TO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT,  AND  HOW 
KING  ARTHUR  SENT  FOR  DAME  LIO- 
NESSE AND  OF  THE  TOURNEY  HELD  AT 
HER  CASTLE.  So  turn  we  unto  King  Arthur, 
that  at  the  next  feast  of  Pentecost  held  his  feast. 
And  there  came  the  Green  Knight  with  thirty  knights  and 
yielded  them  all  unto  King  Arthur.  And  so  there  came  the 
Red  Knight,  his  brother,  and  yielded  him  to  King  Arthur  and 
threescore  knights  with  him.  Also  there  came  the  Blue 
Knight,  brother  to  them,  with  an  hundred  knights.  These 
three  brethren  told  King  Arthur  how  they  were  overcome  by 
a  knight  that  a  damosel  had  with  her,  and  called  him  Beau- 
mains.  I  marvel,  said  the  King,  what  knight  he  is  and  of  what 
lineage  he  is  come.  He  was  with  me  a  twelvemonth  and 
poorly  and  shamefully  he  was  fostered,  and  Sir  Kay  in  scorn 
named  him  Beaumains.  So  right  as  the  king  stood  so  talk- 
ing with  these  three  brethren  there  came  Sir  Launcelot  du 
Lake  and  told  the  king  there  was  come  a  goodly  lord  with 


106  OF  SIR  GARETH 

five  hundred  knights  with  him.  Then  the  king  went  out  of 
Carlion,  for  there  was  the  feast,  and  there  came  to  him  this 
lord,  and  saluted  the  king  in  the  most  goodly  manner.  Sir, 
he  said,  my  name  is  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  and 
I  am  sent  to  you  of  a  knight  that  is  called  Beaumains,  for  he 
won  me  in  pleyn  battle,  and  both  I  and  these  five  hundred 
knights  shall  always  be  at  your  summons  to  do  you  service 
as  may  lie  in  our  powers.  Well,  my  fair  lords,  said  King 
Arthur,  wit  you  well  I  shall  do  you  honour  for  the  love  of  Sir 
Beaumains.  So  then  the  king  and  they  went  to  meat,  and 
were  served  in  the  best  manner.  And  as  they  sat  at  the  meat, 
there  came  in  the  Queen  of  Orkney,  with  ladies  and  knights  a 
great  number.  And  then  Sir  Gawaine,  Sir  Agravaine,  and 
Gaheris  arose,  and  went  to  her  and  saluted  her  upon  their  knees, 
and  asked  her  blessing ;  for  in  fifteen  year  they  had  not  seen 
her.  Then  she  spake  on  high  to  her  brother  King  Arthur: 
Where  have  ye  done  my  young  son  Sir  Gareth  ?  He  was  here 
amongst  you  a  twelvemonth,  and  ye  made  a  kitchen  knave  of 
him,  the  which  is  shame  to  you  all.  Alas,  where  have  ye 
done  my  dear  son  that  was  my  joy  and  bliss  ?  O  dear  mother, 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  knew  him  not.  Nor  I,  said  the  king,  that 
now  me  repenteth,  but  thanked  be  God  he  is  proved  a  worship- 
ful knight  as  any  is  now  living  of  his  years,  and  I  shall  never 
be  glad  till  I  may  find  him. 

Ah,  brother,  said  the  Queen  unto  King  Arthur,  and  unto 
Sir  Gawaine,  and  to  all  her  sons,  ye  did  yourself  great  shame 
when  ye  amongst  you  kept  my  son  in  the  kitchen  and  fed 
him  like  a  poor  hog.  Fair  sister,  said  King  Arthur,  ye  shall 
right  well  wit  I  knew  him  not,  nor  no  more  did  Sir  Gawaine, 
nor  his  brethren ;  but  sithen  it  is  so,  said  the  king,  that  he 
is  thus  gone  from  us  all,  we  must  shape  a  remedy  to  find  him. 


HOW  LIONESSE  CRIED  A  TOURNEY        107 

So  then  goodly  letters  were  made,  and  a  messenger  sent 
forth,  that  night  and  day  he  went  till  he  came  unto  the  Castle 
Perilous.  And  then  the  lady  Dame  Lionesse  was  sent  for. 
And  when  she  understood  this  message,  she  bade  him  ride  on 
his  way  unto  King  Arthur,  and  she  would  come  after  in  all 
goodly  haste. 

So  Dame  Lionesse  departed  and  came  to  King  Arthur, 
where  she  was  nobly  received,  and  there  she  was  sore  ques- 
tioned of  the  king  and  of  the  Queen  of  Orkney.  And  she 
answered,  where  Sir  Gareth  was  she  could  not  tell.  But  thus 
much  she  said  unto  Arthur :  Sir,  I  will  let  cry  a  tournament 
that  shall  be  done  before  my  castle  at  the  Assumption  of  our 
Lady,  and  the  cry  shall  be  this :  that  you,  my  lord  Arthur, 
shall  be  there,  and  your  knights,  and  I  will  purvey  that  my 
knights  shall  be  against  yours ;  and  then  I  am  sure  ye  shall 
hear  of  Sir  Gareth.  This  is  well  advised,  said  King  Arthur ; 
and  so  she  departed.  And  the  king  and  she  made  great 
provision  to  that  tournament. 

And  so  the  cry  was  made  in  England,  Wales,  and  Scot- 
land, Ireland,  Cornwall,  and  in  all  the  Out  Isles,  and  in 
Brittany  and  in  many  countries  ;  that  at  the  feast  of  our  Lady 
the  Assumption  next  coming,  men  should  come  to  the  Castle 
Perilous  beside  the  Isle  of  Avilion ;  and  there  all  the  knights 
that  there  came  should  have  the  choice  whether  them  list  to 
be  on  the  one  party  with  the  knights  of  the  castle,  or  on  the 
other  party  with  King  Arthur.  And  two  months  was  to  the 
day  that  the  tournament  should  be.  And  so  there  came 
many  good  knights  that  were  at  their  large,  and  held  them 
for  the  most  part  against  King  Arthur  and  his  knights  of  the 
Round  Table  and  came  on  the  side  of  them  of  the  castle. 

And  then  Sir  Gareth  prayed  Dame  Lionesse  and  the  Red 


io8  OF  SIR  GARETH 

Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  and  Sir  Persant  and  his  brother, 
and  Sir  Gringamore,  that  in  no  wise  there  should  none  of 
them  tell  not  his  name,  and  make  no  more  of  him  than  of  the 
least  knight  that  there  was,  For,  he  said,  I  will  not  be  known  of 
neither  more  nor  less,  neither  at  the  beginning  neither  at  the 
ending.  Then  Dame  Lionesse  said  unto  Sir  Gareth :  Sir, 
I  will  lend  you  a  ring,  but  I  would  pray  you  as  you  love  me 
heartily  let  me  have  it  again  when  the  tournament  is  done, 
for  that  ring  increaseth  my  beauty  much  more  than  it  is  of 
itself.  And  the  virtue  of  my  ring  is  that  that  is  green  it  will 
turn  to  red,  and  that  is  red  it  will  turn  in  likeness  to  green, 
and  that  is  blue  it  will  turn  to  likeness  of  white,  and  that  is 
white  it  will  turn  in  likeness  to  blue,  and  so  it  will  do  of  all 
manner  of  colours.  Also  who  that  beareth  my  ring  shall  lose 
no  blood,  and  for  great  love  I  will  give  you  this  ring. 
Gramercy,  said  Sir  Gareth,  mine  own  lady,  for  this  ring  is  pass- 
ing meet  for  me,  for  it  will  turn  all  manner  of  likeness  that 
I  am  in,  and  that  shall  cause  me  that  I  shall  not  be  known. 
And  upon  the  Assumption  Day,  when  mass  and  matins 
were  done,  there  were  heralds  with  trumpets  commanded 
to  blow  to  the  field.  And  so  there  came  out  Sir  Tristram, 
Sir  Sadok,  and  Sir  Dinas,  knights  of  the  castle,  and  there  en- 
countered Sir  Tristram  with  Sir  Bedivere,  and  there  Sir 
Bedivere  was  smitten  to  the  earth  both  horse  and  man. 
And  Sir  Sadok  encountered  with  Sir  Petipase,  and  there  Sir 
Sadok  was  overthrown.  And  there  Uwaine  les  Avoutres 
smote  down  Sir  Dinas,  the  Seneschal.  Then  came  in  Sir 
Persant  of  Inde,  a  knight  of  the  castle,  and  there  encountered 
with  him  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  there  he  smote  Sir 
Persant,  horse  and  man,  to  the  earth.  Then  came  Sir  Perto- 
lepe,  the  Green  Knight,  and  smote  down  Sir  Lionel,  brother 


OF  THE   KNIGHTS   IN  BATTLE  109 

to  Sir  Launcelot.  All  this  was  marked  by  noble  heralds,  who 
bare  him  best,  and  their  names. 

And  then  came  into  the  field  Sir  Perimones,  the  Red 
Knight,  Sir  Persant's  brother,  that  was  a  knight  of  the  castle, 
and  he  encountered  with  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  and  either  smote 
other  so  hard  that  both  their  horses  and  they  fell  to  the  earth. 
And  then  came  in  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  and  Sir 
Gareth,  from  the  castle,  and  there  encountered  with  them  Sir 
Bors  de  Ganis  and  Sir  Bleoberis,  and  there  the  Red  Knight  and 
Sir  Bors  either  smote  other  so  hard  that  their  spears  brast,  and 
their  horses  fell  grovelling  to  the  earth.  Then  Sir  Bleoberis 
brake  his  spear  upon  Sir  Gareth,  but  of  that  stroke  Sir  Bleo- 
beris fell  to  the  earth.  When  Sir  Galihodin  saw  that  he  bade 
Sir  Gareth  keep  him,  and  Sir  Gareth  smote  him  to  the  earth. 
Then  Sir  Galihud  gat  a  spear  to  avenge  his  brother,  and  in  the 
same  wise  Sir  Gareth  served  him,  and  Sir  Dinadan  and  his 
brother,  La  Cote  Male  Taile,  and  Sir  Sagramore  le  Desirous,  and 
Sir  Dodinas  le  Savage.  All  these  he  bare  down  with  one  spear. 

When  King  Agwisance  of  Ireland  saw  Sir  Gareth  fare  so, 
he  marvelled  what  he  might  be  that  one  time  seemed  green, 
and  another  time,  at  his  again  coming,  he  seemed  blue.  And 
thus  at  every  course  that  he  rode  to  and  fro  he  changed  his 
colour,  so  that  there  might  neither  king  nor  knight  have  ready 
cognisance  of  him.  Then  Sir  Agwisance,  the  King  of  Ireland, 
encountered  with  Sir  Gareth,  and  there  Sir  Gareth  smote  him 
from  his  horse,  saddle  and  all.  And  then  came  King  Carados 
of  Scotland,  and  Sir  Gareth  smote  him  down  horse  and  man. 
And  in  the  same  wise  he  served  King  Uriens  of  the  land  of 
Gore.  And  then  Sir  Galahault,  the  noble  prince,  cried  on 
high :  Knight  with  the  many  colours,  well  hast  thou  jousted  ; 
now  make  thee  ready  that  I  may  joust  with  thee.  Sir  Gareth 


no  OF  SIR  GARETH 

heard  him,  and  he  gat  a  great  spear,  and  so  they  encountered 
together,  and  there  the  prince  brake  his  spear  ;  but  Sir  Gareth 
smote  him  upon  the  left  side  of  the  helm  that  he  reeled  here  and 
there,  and  he  had  fallen  down  had  not  his  men  recovered  him. 

That  same  knight  with  the  many  colours  is  a  good  knight, 
said  King  Arthur.  Wherefore  the  king  called  unto  him  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  prayed  him  to  encounter  with  that  knight. 
Sir,  said  Launcelot,  I  may  well  find  in  my  heart  for  to  forbear 
him  as  at  this  time,  for  he  hath  had  travail  enough  this  day ; 
and  when  a  good  knight  doth  so  well  upon  some  day,  it  is  no 
good  knight's  part  to  let  him  of  his  worship,  and  namely, 
when  he  seeth  a  knight  hath  done  so  great  labour ;  for  per- 
adventure,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  his  quarrel  is  here  this  day,  and 
peradventure  he  is  best  beloved  with  this  lady  of  all  that  be 
here ;  for  I  see  well  he  paineth  him  and  enforceth  him  to  do 
great  deeds,  and  therefore,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  as  for  me, 
this  day  he  shall  have  the  honour ;  though  it  lay  in  my  power 
to  put  him  from  it  I  would  not. 

Then  Sir  Gareth  rode  out  on  the  one  side  to  amend  his 
helm ;  and  then  said  his  dwarf :  Give  me  your  ring,  that  ye 
lose  it  not  while  that  ye  drink.  And  so  when  he  had  drunk  he 
gat  on  his  helm,  and  eagerly  took  his  horse  and  rode  into  the 
field,  and  left  his  ring  with  his  dwarf;  and  the  dwarf  was 
glad  the  ring  was  from  him,  for  then  he  wist  well  he  should  be 
known.  And  then  when  Sir  Gareth  was  in  the  field  all  folks 
saw  him  well  and  plainly  that  he  was  in  yellow  colours ;  and 
there  he  rased  off  helms  and  pulled  down  knights,  that  King 
Arthur  had  marvel  what  knight  he  was,  for  the  king  saw  by 
his  hair  that  it  was  the  same  knight.  But  before  he  was  in 
so  many  colours,  and  now  he  is  but  in  one  colour;  that  is 
yellow.  Now  go,  said  King  Arthur  unto  divers  heralds,  and 


HOW  THE  HERALDS  DISCOVER  SIR  GARETH    in 

ride  about  him,  and  espy  what  manner  knight  he  is,  for  I 
have  spered  of  many  knights  this  day  that  be  upon  his  party, 
and  all  say  they  know  him  not.  And  so  an  herald  rode  nigh 
Gareth  as  he  could ;  and  there  he  saw  written  about  his 
helm  in  gold,  This  helm  is  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  Then 
the  herald  cried  as  he  were  wood,  and  many  heralds  with 
him :  —  This  is  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney  in  the  yellow  arms ; 
wherby  all  kings  and  knights  of  Arthur's  beheld  him  and 
awaited ;  and  then  they  pressed  all  to  behold  him,  and  ever 
the  heralds  cried :  This  is  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney,  King  Lot's 
son.  And  when  Sir  Gareth  espied  that  he  was  discovered, 
then  he  doubled  his  strokes,  and  smote  down  Sir  Sagramore, 
and  his  brother  Sir  Gawaine.  O  brother,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I 
weened  ye  would  not  have  stricken  me. 

So  when  he  heard  him  say  so  he  thrang  here  and  there, 
and  so  with  great  pain  he  gat  out  of  the  press,  and  there 
he  met  with  his  dwarf.  O  boy,  said  Sir  Gareth,  thou  hast 
beguiled  me  foul  this  day  that  thou  kept  my  ring;  give  it 
me  anon  again,  that  I  may  hide  my  body  withal ;  and  so 
he  took  it  him.  And  then  they  all  wist  not  where  he  was 
become ;  and  Sir  Gawaine  had  in  manner  espied  where  Sir 
Gareth  rode,  and  then  he  rode  after  with  all  his  might.  That 
espied  Sir  Gareth,  and  rode  lightly  into  the  forest,  that  Sir 
Gawaine  wist  not  where  he  was  become.  And  then  fell  there 
a  thunder  and  a  rain,  as  heaven  and  earth  should  go  together. 
And  Sir  Gareth  was  not  a  little  weary,  for  of  all  that  day  he 
had  but  little  rest,  neither  his  horse  nor  he.  So  this  Sir 
Gareth  rode  so  long  in  that  forest  until  the  night  came.  And 
ever  it  lightened  and  thundered,  as  it  had  been  wood.  At 
the  last  by  fortune  he  came  to  a  castle,  and  there  he  heard 
the  waits  upon  the  walls. 


ii2  OF  SIR  GARETH 


HOW  SIR  GARETH  CAME  TO  A  CASTLE 
WHERE  HE  WAS  WELL  LODGED,  AND 
HOW  HE  JOUSTED  WITH  THE  LORD 
OF  THE  CASTLE,  AND  HOW  SIR 
GARETH  AND  SIR  GAWAINE  FOUGHT 
EACH  AGAINST  OTHER  AND  KNEW 
EACH  OTHER  BY  THE  DAMOSEL  LINET.  Then  Sir 
Gareth  rode  unto  the  barbican,  and  prayed  the  porter  fair  to 
let  him  into  the  castle.  The  porter  answered  ungoodly  again, 
and  said,  Thou  gettest  no  lodging  here.  Fair  sir,  say  not  so, 
for  I  am  a  knight  of  King  Arthur's,  and  pray  the  lord  or  the 
lady  of  this  castle  to  give  me  harbour  for  the  love  of  King 
Arthur.  Then  the  porter  went  unto  the  duchess,  and  told 
her  how  there  was  a  knight  of  King  Arthur's  would  have  har- 
bour. Let  him  in,  said  the  duchess,  for  I  will  see  that  knight, 
and  for  King  Arthur's  sake  he  shall  not  be  harbourless.  Then 
she  went  up  into  a  tower  over  the  gate,  with  great  torch-light. 
When  Sir  Gareth  saw  that  torch-light  he  cried  on  high : 
Whether  thou  be  lord  or  lady,  giant  or  champion,  I  take  no 
force  so  that  I  may  have  harbour  this  night ;  and  if  it  so  be 
that  I  must  needs  fight,  spare  me  not  to-morn  when  I  have 
rested  me,  for  both  I  and  mine  horse  be  weary.  Sir  knight, 
said  the  lady,  thou  speakest  knightly  and  boldly;  but  wit 
thou  well  the  lord  of  this  castle  loveth  not  King  Arthur,  nor 
none  of  his  court,  for  my  lord  hath  ever  been  against  him ; 
and  therefore  thou  were  better  not  to  come  within  this  castle  ; 
for  an  thou  come  in  this  night,  thou  must  come  in  under  such 
form,  that  wheresomever  thou  meet  my  lord,  by  stigh  or  by 
street,  thou  must  yield  thee  to  him  as  prisoner.  Madam, 
said  Sir  Gareth,  what  is  your  lord,  and  what  is  his  name  ? 
Sir,  my  lord's  name  is  the  Duke  de  la  Rowse.  Well  madam, 


HOW  SIR   GARETH   CAME  TO  A  CASTLE     113 

said  Sir  Gareth,  I  shall  promise  you  in  what  place  I  meet 
your  lord  I  shall  yield  me  unto  him  and  to  his  good  grace  ;  with 
that  I  understand  he  will  do  me  no  harm :  and  if  I  under- 
stand that  he  will,  I  will  release  myself,  an  I  can,  with  my 
spear  and  my  sword.  Ye  say  well,  said  the  duchess  ;  and  then 
she  let  the  drawbridge  down,  and  so  he  rode  into  the  hall, 
and  there  he  alighted,  and  his  horse  was  led  into  a  stable ; 
and  in  the  hall  he  unarmed  him  and  said,  Madam,  I  will  not 
out  of  this  hall  this  night ;  and  when  it  is  daylight,  let  see 
who  will  have  ado  with  me,  he  shall  find  me  ready.  Then 
was  he  set  unto  supper,  and  had  many  good  dishes.  Then 
Sir  Gareth  list  well  to  eat,  and  knightly  he  ate  his  meat,  and 
eagerly ;  there  was  many  a  fair  lady  by  him,  and  some 
said  they  never  saw  a  goodlier  man  nor  so  well  of  eating. 
Then  they  made  him  passing  good  cheer,  and  shortly  when 
he  had  supped  his  bed  was  made  there ;  so  he  rested  him 
all  night. 

And  on  the  morn  he  heard  mass,  and  brake  his  fast  and 
took  his  leave  at  the  duchess,  and  at  them  all ;  and  thanked 
her  goodly  of  her  lodging,  and  of  his  good  cheer.  So  Sir 
Gareth  departed  and  rode  up  into  a  mountain,  and  there  he 
found  a  goodly  knight  that  bade  him,  Abide  sir  knight,  and 
joust  with  me.  What  are  ye  ?  said  Sir  Gareth.  My  name 
is,  said  he,  the  Duke  de  la  Rowse.  Ah  sir,  ye  are  the  same 
knight  that  I  lodged  in  your  castle  ;  and  there  I  made  promise 
unto  your  lady  that  I  should  yield  me  unto  you.  Make  thee 
ready,  said  the  duke,  for  I  will  have  ado  with  you.  So  they 
let  their  horses  run,  and  there  Sir  Gareth  smote  the  duke  down 
from  his  horse.  But  the  duke  lightly  avoided  his  horse,  and 
dressed  his  shield  and  drew  his  sword,  and  bade  Sir  Gareth 
alight  and  fight  with  him.  So  he  did  alight,  and  they  did 


n4  OF   SIR   GARETH 

great  battle  together  more  than  an  hour,  and  either  hurt  other 
full  sore.  At  the  last  Sir  Gareth  gat  the  duke  to  the  earth, 
and  then  he  yield  him  to  him.  Then  must  ye  go,  said  Sir 
Gareth,  unto  Sir  Arthur  my  lord  at  the  next  feast,  and  say 
that  I,  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney,  sent  you  unto  him.  It  shall 
be  done,  said  the  duke,  and  I  will  do  to  you  homage  and  fealty 
with  an  hundred  knights  with  me  ;  and  all  the  days  of  my  life 
to  do  you  service  where  ye  will  command  me. 

So  the  duke  departed,  and  Sir  Gareth  stood  there  alone ; 
and  there  he  saw  an  armed  knight  coming  toward  him.  Then 
Sir  Gareth  took  the  duke's  shield,  and  mounted  upon  horse- 
back, and  so  without  biding  they  ran  together  as  it  had  been 
the  thunder.  And  there  that  knight  hurt  Sir  Gareth  under 
the  side  with  his  spear.  And  then  they  alighted  and  drew 
their  swords,  and  gave  great  strokes  that  the  blood  trailed 
to  the  ground.  And  so  they  fought  two  hours. 

At  the  last  there  came  the  damosel  Linet,  that  some  men 
called  the  damosel  Savage,  riding  upon  an  ambling  mule; 
and  there  she  cried  all  on  high,  Sir  Gawaine,  Sir  Gawaine, 
leave  thy  fighting  with  thy  brother  Sir  Gareth.  And  when  he 
heard  her  say  so  he  threw  away  his  shield  and  his  sword,  and 
.ran  to  Sir  Gareth,  and  took  him  in  his  arms,  and  sithen  kneeled 
down  and  asked  him  mercy.  What  are  ye,  said  Sir  Gareth, 
that  right  now  were  so  strong  and  so  mighty,  and  now  so 
suddenly  yield  you  to  me  ?  O  Gareth,  I  am  your  brother  Sir 
Gawaine,  that  for  your  sake  have  had  great  sorrow  and  labour. 
Then  Sir  Gareth  unlaced  his  helm,  and  kneeled  down  to  him, 
and  asked  him  mercy.  Then  they  rose  both,  and  embraced 
either  other  in  their  arms,  and  wept  a  great  while  ere  they 
might  speak,  and  either  of  them  gave  other  the  prize  of  the 
battle.  And  there  were  many  kind  words  between  them. 


GARETH  AND  GAWAINE  ENCOUNTER      115 

Alas,  my  fair  brother,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  perdy  I. owe  of  right 
to  worship  you  an  ye  were  not  my  brother,  for  ye  have  wor- 
shipped King  Arthur  and  all  his  court,  for  ye  have  sent  him 
more  worshipful  knights  this  twelvemonth  than  six  the  best 
of  the  Round  Table  have  done,  except  Sir  Launcelot. 

Then  came  the  damosel  Savage  that  was  the  Lady  Linet, 
that  rode  with  Sir  Gareth  so  long,  and  there  she  did  staunch 
Sir  Gareth's  wounds  and  Sir  Gawaine's.  Now  what  will  ye 
do  ?  said  the  damosel  Savage ;  meseemeth  that  it  were  well 
done  that  Arthur  had  witting  of  you  both,  for  your  horses 
are  so  brised  that  they  may  not  bear.  Now,  fair  damosel, 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  pray  you  ride  unto  my  lord  mine  uncle, 
King  Arthur,  and  tell  him  what  adventure  is  to  me  betid  here, 
and  I  suppose  he  will  not  tarry  long.  Then  she  took  her  mule, 
and  lightly  she  came  to  King  Arthur  that  was  but  two  mile 
thence.  And  when  she  had  told  him  tidings  the  king  bade 
get  him  a  palfrey.  And  when  he  was  upon  his  back  he  bade 
the  lords  and  ladies  come  after,  who  that  would ;  and  there 
was  saddling  and  bridling  of  queens'  horses  and  princes' 
horses,  and  well  was  him  that  soonest  might  be  ready. 

So  when  the  king  came  thereas  they  were,  he  saw  Sir 
Gawaine  and  Sir  Gareth  sit  upon  a  little  hill-side,  and  then 
the  king  avoided  his  horse.  Wit  ye  well  the  king  made 
great  joy,  and  many  a  piteous  complaint  he  made  to  Sir 
Gareth,  and  ever  he  wept  as  he  had  been  a  child.  With 
that  came  his  mother,  the  Queen  of  Orkney,  Dame  Morgawse, 
and  when  she  saw  Sir  Gareth  readily  in  the  visage  she  might 
not  weep,  but  suddenly  fell  down  in  a  swoon,  and  lay  there  a 
great  while  like  as  she  had  been  dead.  And  then  Sir  Gareth 
recomforted  his  mother  in  such  wise  that  she  recovered  and 
made  good  cheer. 


ii6  OF  SIR  GARETH 

OF  THE  WEDDING  OF  SIR  GARETH  AND 
DAME  LIONESSE  AND  OF  THE  OFFICERS 
MADE  AT  THE  FEAST.  Then  said  King  Arthur 
unto  the  damosel  Savage :  I  marvel  that  your  sister,  Dame 
Lionesse,  cometh  not  to  visit  her  knight,  my  nephew  Sir 
Gareth,  that  hath  had  so  much  travail  for  her  love.  My 
lord,  said  the  damosel  Linet,  ye  must  of  your  good  grace  hold 
her  excused,  for  she  knoweth  not  that  my  lord,  Sir  Gareth, 
is  here.  Go  then  for  her,  said  King  Arthur,  that  we  may  be 
appointed  what  is  best  to  be  done,  according  to  the  pleasure 
of  my  nephew.  Sir,  said  the  damosel,  that  shall  be  done,  and 
so  she  rode  unto  her  sister.  And  as  lightly  as  she  might  she 
made  her  ready ;  and  she  came  on  the  morn  with  her  brother 
Sir  Gringamore,  and  with  her  forty  knights.  And  so  when  she 
was  come  she  had  all  the  cheer  that  might  be  done,  both  of 
the  king,  and  of  many  other  kings  and  queens. 

And  among  all  these  ladies  she  was  named  the  fairest, 
and  peerless.  Then  the  king  asked  his  nephew,  Sir  Gareth, 
whether  he  would  have  that  lady  to  his  wife.  My  lord,  wit 
you  well  that  I  love  her  above  all  ladies  living.  Now,  fair 
lady,  said  King  Arthur,  what  say  ye  ?  Most  noble  King,  said 
Dame  Lionesse,  wit  you  well  that  my  lord,  Sir  Gareth,  is  to 
me  more  liefer  to  have  and  wield  as  my  husband,  than  any 
king  or  prince  that  is  christened ;  and  if  I  may  not  have  him 
I  promise  you  I  will  never  have  none.  For,  my  lord  Arthur, 
said  Dame  Lionesse,  wit  ye  well  he  is  my  first  love,  and  he 
shall  be  the  last ;  and  if  ye  will  suffer  him  to  have  his  will  and 
free  choice  I  dare  say  he  will  have  me.  That  is  truth,  said 
Sir  Gareth  ;  an  I  have  not  you  and  wield  not  you  as  my  wife, 
there  shall  never  lady  nor  gentlewoman  rejoice  me.  What, 
nephew,  said  the  king,  is  the  wind  in  that  door  ?  for  wit  ye 


OF  THE  WEDDING  OF  SIR  GARETH        117 

well  I  would  not  for  the  stint  of  my  crown  to  be  causer  to 
withdraw  your  hearts ;  and  wit  ye  well  ye  cannot  love  so 
well  but  I  shall  rather  increase  it  than  distress  it.  And  also 
ye  shall  have  my  love  and  my  lordship  in  the  uttermost 
wise  that  may  lie  in  my  power.  And  in  the  same  wise  said 
Sir  Gareth's  mother. 

Then  there  was  made  a  provision  for  the  day  of  marriage ; 
and  by  the  king's  advice  it  was  provided  that  it  should  be 
at  Michaelmas  following,  at  Kink  Kenadon  by  the  seaside, 
for  there  is  a  plentiful  country.  And  so  it  was  cried  in  all 
the  places  through  the  realm.  And  then  Sir  Gareth  sent 
his  summons  to  all  these  knights  and  ladies  that  he  had  won 
in  battle  to-fore,  that  they  should  be  at  his  day  of  marriage 
at  Kink  Kenadon  by  the  sands.  And  then  Dame  Lionesse, 
and  the  damosel  Linet  with  Sir  Gringamore,  rode  to  their 
castle ;  and  a  goodly  and  a  rich  ring  she  gave  to  Sir  Gareth, 
and  he  gave  her  another.  And  King  Arthur  gave  her  a  rich 
pair  of  beads  of  gold  ;  and  so  she  departed  ;  and  King  Arthur 
and  his  fellowship  rode  toward  Kink  Kenadon,  and  Sir  Gareth 
brought  his  lady  on  the  way,  and  so  came  to  the  king  again 
and  rode  with  him.  Lord  !  the  great  cheer  that  Sir  Launcelot 
made  of  Sir  Gareth  and  he  of  him,  for  there  was  never  no 
knight  that  Sir  Gareth  loved  so  well  as  he  did  Sir  Launcelot ; 
and  ever  for  the  most  part  he  would  be  in  Sir  Launcelot's 
company;  for  after  Sir  Gareth  had  espied  Sir  Gawaine's 
conditions,  he  withdrew  himself  from  his  brother,  Sir 
Gawaine's,  fellowship,  for  he  was  vengeable,  and  where  he 
hated  he  would  be  avenged  with  murder,  and  that  hated  Sir 
Gareth. 

So  it  drew  fast  to  Michaelmas ;  and  thither  came  Dame 
Lionesse,  the  lady  of  the  Castle  Perilous,  and  her  sister, 


ii8  OF   SIR  GARETH 

Dame  Linet,  with  Sir  Gringamore,  her  brother,  with  them, 
for  he  had  the  conduct  of  these  ladies.  And  there  they 
were  lodged  at  the  device  of  King  Arthur.  And  upon 
Michaelmas  Day  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury  made  the  wedding 
betwixt  Sir  Gareth  and  the  Lady  Lionesse  with  great  solem- 
nity. And  King  Arthur  made  Gaheris  to  wed  the  Damosel 
Savage,  that  was  Dame  Linet ;  and  King  Arthur  made  Sir 
Agravaine  to  wed  Dame  Lionesse's  niece,  a  fair  lady,  her  name 
was  Dame  Laurel. 

And  so  when  this  solemnization  was  done,  then  came  in 
the  Green  Knight,  Sir  Pertolepe,  with  thirty  knights,  and 
there  he  did  homage  and  fealty  to  Sir  Gareth,  and  these  knights 
to  hold  of  him  for  evermore.  Also  Sir  Pertolepe  said  :  I  pray 
you  that  at  this  feast  I  may  be  your  chamberlain.  With  a 
good  will,  said  Sir  Gareth,  sith  it  liketh  you  to  take  so  simple 
an  office.  Then  came  in  the  Red  Knight,  with  three  score 
knights  with  him,  and  did  to  Sir  Gareth  homage  and  fealty, 
and  all  those  knights  to  hold  of  him  for  evermore.  And  then 
this  Sir  Perimones  prayed  Sir  Gareth  to  grant  him  to  be  his 
chief  butler  at  that  high  feast.  I  will  well,  said  Sir  Gareth, 
that  ye  have  this  office,  and  it  were  better.  Then  came  in 
Sir  Persant  of  Inde,  with  an  hundred  knights  with  him,  and 
there  he  did  homage  and  fealty,  and  all  his  knights  should  do 
him  service,  and  hold  their  lands  of  him  for  ever ;  and  there 
he  prayed  Sir  Gareth  to  make  him  his  sewer-chief  at  the  feast. 
I  will  well,  said  Sir  Gareth,  that  ye  have  it,  and  it  were  better. 
Then  came  the  Duke  de  la  Rowse,  with  an  hundred  knights 
with  him,  and  there  he  did  homage  and  fealty  to  Sir  Gareth, 
and  so  to  hold  their  lands  of  him  for  ever.  And  he  required 
Sir  Gareth  that  he  might  serve  him  of  the  wine  that  day  of 
that  feast.  I  will  well,  said  Sir  Gareth,  and  it  were  better. 


OF  THE  JOUSTS  AT  THE   FEAST  119 

Then  came  in  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  that  was 
Sir  Ironside,  and  he  brought  with  him  five  hundred  knights, 
and  there  he  did  homage  and  fealty,  and  all  these  knights 
to  hold  their  lands  of  him  for  ever.  And  then  he  asked  Sir 
Gareth  to  be  his  carver.  I  will  well,  said  Sir  Gareth,  an 
it  please  you. 

So  then  the  kings  and  queens,  princes  and  earls,  barons 
and  many  bold  knights,  went  unto  meat ;  and  well  may  ye 
wit  there  were  all  manner  of  meat  plenteously,  all  manner 
revels  and  games,  with  all  manner  of  minstrelsy  that  was 
used  in  those  days.  Also  there  was  great  jousts  three  days. 
But  the  king  would  not  suffer  Sir  Gareth  to  joust,  because 
of  his  new  bride ;  for,  as  the  French  book  saith,  that  Dame 
Lionesse  desired  of  the  king  that  none  that  were  wedded 
should  joust  at  that  feast. 


OF    SIR    TRISTRAM 


HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  DE  LIONES 
WAS  BORN,  AND  HOW  HIS 
MOTHER  DIED  AT  HIS  BIRTH, 
WHEREFORE  SHE  NAMED  HIM 
TRISTRAM,  AND  HOW  HIS 
STEPMOTHER  WOULD  HAVE 
POISONED  HIM  AND  HOW  HE 
WAS  SENT  INTO  FRANCE.  It  was 
a  king  that  hight  Meliodas,  and  he  was 
lord  and  king  of  the  country  of  Liones, 
and  this  Meliodas  was  a  likely  knight  as  any  was  that  time 
living.  And  by  fortune  he  wedded  King  Mark's  sister  of 
Cornwall,  and  she  was  called  Elizabeth,  that  was  called  both 
good  and  fair. 

So  the  time  came  when  she  should  bear  a  child,  and  she 
was  a  full  meek  lady,  and  well  she  loved  her  lord,  and  he 
her  again,  so  there  was  great  joy  betwixt  them.  Then  there 
was  a  lady  in  that  country  that  had  loved  King  Meliodas 
long,  and  by  no  mean  she  never  could  get  his  love ;  there- 
fore she  let  ordain  upon  a  day,  as  King  Meliodas  rode 
a-hunting,  for  he  was  a  great  chaser,  and  there  by  an  enchant- 
ment she  made  him  chase  an  hart  by  himself  alone  till  that 
he  came  to  an  old  castle  and  there  anon  he  was  taken  prisoner 

120 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  121 

by  the  lady  that  him  loved.     When  Elizabeth,  King  Meliodas' 
wife,  missed  her  lord,  she  was  nigh  out  of  her  wit,  and  she 
took  a  gentlewoman  with  her,  and  ran  into  the  forest  to  seek 
her  lord.     And  when  she  was  far  in  the  forest  she  might  no 
farther,  for  she  began  to  travail  fast  of  her  child ;   and  so  by 
miracle  of  Our  Lady  of  Heaven  she  was  delivered  with  great 
pains.     But  she  had  taken  such  cold  for  the  default  of  help 
that  deep  draughts  of  death  took  her,  that  needs  she  must 
die  and  depart  out  of  this  world  ;   there  was  none  other  bote. 
And  when  this  Queen  Elizabeth  saw  that  there  was  none 
other  bote,  then  she   made  great   dole,   and  said  unto  her 
gentlewoman  :    When  ye  see  my  lord,  King  Meliodas,  recom- 
mend me  unto  him,  and  tell  him  what  pains  I  endure  here 
for  his  love,  and  how  I  must  die  here  for  his  sake  for  default 
of  good  help ;   and  let  him  wit  that  I  am  full  sorry  to  depart 
out  of  this  world  from  him,  therefore  pray  him  to  be  friend 
to  my  soul.     Now  let  me  see  my   little  child,  for  whom  I 
have  had  all  this  sorrow.     And  when  she  saw  him  she  said 
thus :  Ah,  my  little  son,  thou  hast  murdered  thy  mother,  and 
therefore  I  suppose,  thou  that  art  a  murderer  so  young,  thou 
art  full  likely  to  be  a  manly  man  in  thine  age.     And  because 
I  shall  die  of  the  birth  of  thee,  I  charge  thee,  gentlewoman, 
that  thou  pray  my  lord,   King  Meliodas,  that  when  he  is 
christened  let  call  him  Tristram,  that  is  as  much  to  say  as  a 
sorrowful  birth.     And  therewith  this  queen  gave  up  the  ghost 
and  died.     Then  the  gentlewoman  laid  her  under  an  umbre 
of  a  great  tree,  and  then  she  lapped  the  child  as  well  as  she 
might  for  cold.     Right  so  there  came  the  barons,  following 
after  the  queen,  and  when  they  saw  that  she  was  dead,  then 
they  let  carry  home  the  dead  queen,  and  much  dole  was  made 
for  her. 


122  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Then  this  meanwhile  Merlin  delivered  King  Meliodas 
out  of  prison  on  the  morn  after  his  queen  was  dead.  But 
the  sorrow  that  the  king  made  for  his  queen  that  might  no 
tongue  tell.  So  then  the  king  let  inter  her  richly,  and  after 
he  let  christen  his  child  as  his  wife  had  commanded  afore 
her  death.  And  then  he  let  call  him  Tristram,  the  sorrowful 
born  child.  Then  the  King  Meliodas  endured  seven  years 
without  a  wife,  and  all  this  time  Tristram  was  nourished  well. 
Then  it  befell  that  King  Meliodas  wedded  King  Howell's 
daughter  of  Brittany,  and  anon  she  had  children  of  King 
Meliodas :  then  was  she  heavy  and  wroth  that  her  children 
should  not  rejoice  the  country  of  Liones,  wherefore  this 
queen  ordained  for  to  poison  young  Tristram.  So  she  let 
poison  be  put  in  a  piece  of  silver  in  the  chamber  whereas 
Tristram  and  her  children  were  together,  unto  that  intent 
that  when  Tristram  was  thirsty  he  should  drink  that  drink. 
And  so  it  fell  upon  a  day,  the  queen's  son,  as  he  was  in  that 
chamber,  espied  the  piece  with  poison,  and  he  weened  it  had 
been  good  drink,  and  because  the  child  was  thirsty  he  took  the 
piece  with  poison  and  drank  freely  ;  and  therewithal  suddenly 
the  child  brast  and  was  dead. 

When  the  queen  of  Meliodas  wist  of  the  death  of  her  son, 
wit  ye  well  that  she  was  heavy.  But  yet  the  king  understood 
nothing  of  her  treason.  Notwithstanding  the  queen  would 
not  leave  this,  but  eft  she  let  ordain  more  poison,  and  put  it 
in  a  piece.  And  by  fortune  King  Meliodas,  her  husband, 
found  the  piece  with  wine  where  was  the  poison,  and  he  that 
was  much  thirsty  took  the  piece  for  to  drink  thereout.  And 
as  he  would  have  drunken  thereof  the  queen  espied  him,  and 
then  she  ran  unto  him,  and  pulled  the  piece  from  him  suddenly. 
The  king  marvelled  why  she  did  so,  and  remembered  him  how 


OF  THE  STEPMOTHER  OF  TRISTRAM       123 

her  son  was  suddenly  slain  with  poison.  And  then  he  took 
her  by  the  hand,  and  said  :  Thou  false  traitress,  thou  shalt  tell 
me  what  manner  of  drink  this  is,  or  else  I  shall  slay  thee. 
And  therewith  he  pulled  out  his  sword,  and  sware  a  great 
oath  that  he  should  slay  her  but  if  she  told  him  truth.  Ah ! 
mercy,  my  lord,  said  she,  and  I  shall  tell  you  all.  And  then 
she  told  him  why  she  would  have  slain  Tristram,  because  her 
children  should  rejoice  his  land.  Well,  said  King  Meliodas, 
and  therefore  shall  ye  have  the  law.  And  so  she  was  con- 
demned by  the  assent  of  the  barons  to  be  burnt ;  and  then  was 
there  made  a  great  fire,  and  right  as  she  was  at  the  fire  to  take 
her  execution,  young  Tristram  kneeled  afore  King  Meliodas, 
and  besought  him  to  give  him  a  boon.  I  will  well,  said  the 
king  again.  Then  said  young  Tristram,  Give  me  the  life  of 
thy  queen,  my  stepmother.  That  is  unrightfully  asked,  said 
King  Meliodas,  for  thou  ought  of  right  to  hate  her,  for  she 
would  have  slain  thee  with  that  poison  an  she  might  have  had 
her  will ;  and  for  thy  sake  most  is  my  cause  that  she  should  die. 

Sir,  said  Tristram,  as  for  that,  I  beseech  you  of  your 
mercy  that  you  will  forgive  it  her,  and  as  for  my  part,  God 
forgive  it  her,  and  I  do ;  and  so  much  it  liked  your  highness 
to  grant  me  my  boon,  for  God's  love  I  require  you  hold  your 
promise.  Sithen  it  is  so,  said  the  king,  I  will  that  ye  have 
her  life.  Then,  said  the  king,  I  give  her  to  you,  and  go  ye 
to  the  fire  and  take  her,  and  do  with  her  what  ye  will.  So 
Sir  Tristram  went  to  the  fire,  and  by  the  commandment  of 
the  king  delivered  her  from  the  death.  But  after  that  King 
Meliodas  would  not  suffer  young  Tristram  to  abide  no  longer 
in  his  court. 

And  then  he  let  ordain  a  gentleman  that  was  well  learned 
and  taught,  his  name  was  Gouvernail ;  and  then  he  sent 


i24  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

young  Tristram  with  Gouvernail  into  France  to  learn  the 
language,  and  nurture,  and  deeds  of  arms.  And  there  was 
Tristram  more  than  seven  years.  And  then  when  he  well 
could  speak  the  language,  and  had  learned  all  that  he  might 
learn  in  that  country,  then  he  came  home  to  his  father,  King 
Meliodas,  again.  And  so  Tristram  learned  to  be  an  harper 
passing  all  other,  that  there  was  none  such  called  in  no  country, 
and  so  on  harping  and  in  instruments  of  music  he  applied 
him  in  his  youth  for  to  learn. 

And  after,  as  he  grew  in  might  and  strength,  he  laboured 
ever  in  hunting  and  in  hawking,  so  that  never  gentleman 
more,  that  ever  we  heard  read  of.  And  as  the  book  saith, 
he  began  good  measures  of  blowing  of  beasts  of  venery,  and 
beasts  of  chase,  and  all  manner  of  vermin,  and  all  these 
terms  we  have  yet  of  hawking  and  hunting.  And  therefore 
the  book  of  venery,  of  hawking,  and  hunting,  is  called  the 
book  of  Sir  Tristram.  Wherefore,  as  meseemeth,  all  gentle- 
men that  bear  old  arms  ought  of  right  to  honour  Sir  Tristram 
for  the  goodly  terms  that  gentlemen  have  and  use,  and 
shall  to  the  day  of  doom,  that  thereby  in  a  manner  all  men 
of  worship  may  dissever  a  gentleman  from  a  yeoman,  and 
from  a  yeoman  a  villain.  For  he  that  gentle  is  will  draw 
him  unto  gentle  tatches,  and  to  follow  the  customs  of  noble 
gentlemen. 

Thus  Sir  Tristram  endured  in  Cornwall  until  he  was 
big  and  strong,  of  the  age  of  eighteen  years.  And  then 
the  King  Meliodas  had  great  joy  of  Sir  Tristram,  and  so 
had  the  queen,  his  wife.  For  ever  after  in  her  life,  because 
Sir  Tristram  saved  her  from  the  fire,  she  did  never  hate  him 
more  after,  but  loved  him  ever  after,  and  gave  Tristram  many 
great  gifts  ;  for  every  estate  loved  him,  where  that  he  went. 


HOW  SIR  MARHAUS  ASKED  TRUAGE        125 

HOW  SIR  MARHAUS  CAME  OUT  OF  IRELAND 
FOR  TO  ASK  TRUAGE  OF  CORNWALL, 
AND  HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  ENTERPRIZED 
TO  FIGHT  WITH  HIM.  Then  it  befell  that  King  An- 
guish of  Ireland  sent  unto  King  Mark  of  Cornwall  for  his  tru- 
age,  that  Cornwall  had  paid  many  winters.  And  all  that  time 
King  Mark  was  behind  of  the  truage  for  seven  years.  And 
King  Mark  and  his  barons  gave  unto  the  messenger  of  Ireland 
these  words  and  answer,  that  they  would  none  pay ;  and  bade 
the  messenger  go  unto  his  King  Anguish,  and  tell  him  we  will 
pay  him  no  truage,  but  tell  your  lord,  an  he  will  always  have 
truage  of  us  of  Cornwall,  bid  him  send  a  trusty  knight  of  his 
land,  that  will  fight  for  his  right,  and  we  shall  find  another 
for  to  defend  our  right.  With  this  answer  the  messengers 
departed  into  Ireland.  And  when  King  Anguish  under- 
stood the  answer  of  the  messengers  he  was  wonderly  wroth. 
And  then  he  called  unto  him  Sir  Marhaus,  the  good  knight, 
that  was  nobly  proved,  and  a  Knight  of  the  Table  Round. 
And  this  Marhaus  was  brother  unto  the  queen  of  Ireland. 
Then  the  king  said  thus :  Fair  brother,  Sir  Marhaus,  I  pray 
you  go  into  Cornwall  for  my  sake,  and  do  battle  for  our  truage 
that  of  right  we  ought  to  have ;  and  whatsomever  ye  spend 
ye  shall  have  sufficiently,  more  than  ye  shall  need.  Sir,  said 
Marhaus,  wit  ye  well  that  I  shall  not  be  loath  to  do  battle  in 
the  right  of  you  and  your  land  with  the  best  knight  of  the 
Table  Round ;  for  I  know  them,  for  the  most  part,  what  be 
their  deeds ;  and  for  to  advance  my  deeds  and  to  increase 
my  worship  I  will  right  gladly  go  unto  this  journey  for  our 
right. 

So  in  all  haste  there  was  made  purveyance  for  Sir  Mar- 
haus, and  he  had  all  things  that  to  him  needed ;    and  so  he 


126  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

departed  out  of  Ireland,  and  arrived  up  in  Cornwall  even 
fast  by  the  Castle  of  Tintagil.  And  when  King  Mark  under- 
stood that  he  was  there  arrived  to  fight  for  Ireland,  then  made 
King  Mark  great  sorrow  when  he  understood  that  the  good 
and  noble  knight  Sir  Marhaus  was  come.  For  they  knew  no 
knight  that  durst  have  ado  with  him.  For  at  that  time  Sir 
Marhaus  was  called  one  of  the  famousest  and  renowned  knights 
of  the  world.  And  thus  Sir  Marhaus  abode  in  the  sea,  and 
every  day  he  sent  unto  King  Mark  for  to  pay  the  truage 
that  was  behind  of  seven  year,  other  else  to  find  a  knight 
to  fight  with  him  for  the  truage.  This  manner  of  message 
Sir  Marhaus  sent  daily  unto  King  Mark. 

When  young  Tristram  heard  of  this  he  was  wroth,  and 
sore  ashamed  that  there  durst  no  knight  in  Cornwall  have  ado 
with  Sir  Marhaus  of  Ireland.  As  for  that,  said  King  Meliodas, 
wit  you  well,  son  Tristram,  that  Sir  Marhaus  is  called  one  of 
the  best  knights  of  the  world,  and  Knight  of  the  Table  Round  ; 
and  therefore  I  know  no  knight  in  this  country  that  is  able  to 
match  with  him.  Alas,  said  Sir  Tristram,  that  I  am  not  made 
knight ;  and  if  Sir  Marhaus  should  thus  depart  into  Ireland, 
God  let  me  never  have  worship :  an  I  were  made  knight  I 
should  match  him.  And  sir,  said  Tristram,  I  pray  you  give 
me  leave  to  ride  to  King  Mark ;  and,  so  ye  be  not  displeased, 
of  King  Mark  will  I  be  made  knight.  I  will  well,  said  King 
Meliodas,  that  ye  be  ruled  as  your  courage  will  rule  you. 
Then  Sir  Tristram  thanked  his  father  much.  And  then  he 
made  him  ready  to  ride  into  Cornwall. 

In  the  meanwhile  there  came  a  messenger  with  letters 
of  love  from  King  Faramon  of  France's  daughter  unto  Sir 
Tristram,  that  were  full  piteous  letters,  and  in  them  were 
written  many  complaints  of  love ;  but  Sir  Tristram  had  no 


HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  WAS   MADE   KNIGHT     127 

joy  of  her  letters  nor  regard  unto  her.  Also  she  sent  him 
a  little  brachet  that  was  passing  fair.  But  when  the  king's 
daughter  understood  that  Sir  Tristram  would  not  love  her, 
as  the  book  saith  she  died  for  sorrow.  And  then  the  same 
squire  that  brought  the  letter  and  the  brachet  came  again 
unto  Sir  Tristram,  as  after  ye  shall  hear  in  the  tale. 

So  this  young  Sir  Tristram  rode  unto  his  erne,  King 
Mark  of  Cornwall,  and  said  :  Sir,  if  ye  will  give  me  the  order 
of  knighthood,  I  will  do  battle  with  Sir  Marhaus.  What  are 
ye,  said  the  king,  and  from  whence  be  ye  come  ?  Sir,  said 
Tristram,  I  come  from  King  Meliodas  that  wedded  your  sister, 
and  a  gentleman  wit  ye  well  I  am.  King  Mark  beheld  Sir 
Tristram  and  saw  that  he  was  but  a  young  man  of  age,  but 
he  was  passingly  well  made  and  big.  Fair  sir,  said  the  king, 
what  is  your  name,  and  where  were  ye  born  ?  Sir,  said  he 
again,  my  name  is  Tristram,  and  in  the  country  of  Liones  was 
I  born.  Ye  say  well,  said  the  king ;  and  if  ye  will  do  this 
battle  I  shall  make  you  knight.  Therefore  I  come  to  you,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  and  for  none  other  cause.  But  then  King  Mark 
made  him  knight.  And  therewithal,  anon  as  he  had  made  him 
knight,  he  sent  a  messenger  unto  Sir  Marhaus  with  letters 
that  said  that  he  had  found  a  young  knight  ready  for  to  take 
the  battle  to  the  uttermost.  It  may  well  be,  said  Sir  Marhaus  ; 
but  tell  King  Mark  I  will  not  fight  with  no  knight  but  he  be  of 
blood  royal,  that  is  to  say,  other  king's  son,  other  queen's  son, 
born  of  a  prince  or  princess. 

When  King  Mark  understood  that,  he  sent  for  Sir  Tristram 
de  Liones  and  told  him  what  was  the  answer  of  Sir  Marhaus. 
Then  said  Sir  Tristram  :  Sithen  that  he  saith  so,  let  him  wit 
that  I  am  come  of  father  side  and  mother  side  of  as  noble  blood 
as  he  is  :  for,  sir,  now  shall  ye  know  that  I  am  King  Meliodas' 


128  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

son,  born  of  your  own  sister,  Dame  Elizabeth,  that  died  in 
the  forest  in  the  birth  of  me.  Fair  nephew,  said  King  Mark, 
ye  are  welcome  to  me.  Then  in  all  the  haste  the  king  let  horse 
Sir  Tristram,  and  armed  him  in  the  best  manner  that  might 
be  had  or  gotten  for  gold  or  silver.  And  then  King  Mark 
sent  unto  Sir  Marhaus,  and  did  him  to  wit  that  a  better  born 
man  than  he  was  himself  should  fight  with  him,  and  his  name 
is  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones,  gotten  of  King  Meliodas,  and 
born  of  King  Mark's  sister.  Then  was  Sir  Marhaus  glad 
and  blithe  that  he  should  fight  with  such  a  gentleman.  And 
so  by  the  assent  of  King  Mark  and  of  Sir  Marhaus  they  let 
ordain  that  they  should  fight  within  an  island  nigh  Sir  Mar- 
haus' ships ;  and  so  was  Sir  Tristram  put  into  a  vessel,  both 
his  horse  and  he,  and  all  that  to  him  longed  both  for  his  body 
and  for  his  horse.  And  when  King  Mark  and  his  barons  of 
Cornwall  beheld  how  young  Sir  Tristram  departed  with  such 
a  carriage  to  fight  for  the  right  of  Cornwall,  there  was  neither 
man  nor  woman  of  worship  but  they  wept  to  see  and  under- 
stand so  young  a  knight  to  jeopardy  himself  for  their  right. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  FOUGHT 
AGAINST  SIR  MARHAUS  AND 
ACHIEVED  HIS  BATTLE,  AND 
HOW  SIR  MARHAUS  FLED  TO  HIS 
SHIP.  So  when  Sir  Tristram  was  arrived 
within  the  island  he  looked  to  the  farther 
side,  and  there  he  saw  at  an  anchor  six  ships  nigh  to  the  land  ; 
and  under  the  shadow  of  the  ships  upon  the  land,  there  hoved 
the  noble  knight,  Sir  Marhaus  of  Ireland.  Then  Sir  Tristram 
commanded  his  servant  Gouvernail  to  bring  his  horse  to  the 
land,  and  dress  his  harness  at  all  manner  of  rights.  And  then 


HOW  HE  MEETS  WITH  SIR  MARHAUS      129 

when  he  had  so  done  he  mounted  upon  his  horse ;  and  when 
he  was  in  his  saddle  well  apparelled,  and  his  shield  dressed 
upon  his  shoulder,  Tristram  asked  Gouvernail,  Where  is  this 
knight  that  I  shall  have  ado  withal  ?  Sir,  said  Gouvernail, 
see  ye  him  not  ?  I  weened  ye  had  seen  him ;  yonder  he 
hoveth  under  the  shadow  of  his  ships  on  horseback,  with  his 
spear  in  his  hand  and  his  shield  upon  his  shoulder.  That  is 
truth,  said  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Tristram,  now  I  see  him  well 
enough. 

Then  he  commanded  his  servant  Gouvernail  to  go  to 
his  vessel  again :  And  commend  me  unto  mine  erne  King 
Mark,  and  pray  him,  if  that  I  be  slain  in  this  battle,  for 
to  inter  my  body  as  him  seemeth  best ;  and  as  for  me,  let 
him  wit  that  I  will  never  yield  me  for  cowardice ;  and  if  I 
be  slain  and  flee  not,  then  they  have  lost  no  truage  for  me ; 
and  if  so  be  that  I  flee  or  yield  me  as  recreant,  bid  mine 
erne  never  bury  me  in  Christian  burials.  And  upon  thy  life, 
said  Sir  Tristram  to  Gouvernail,  come  thou  not  nigh  this 
island  till  that  thou  see  me  overcome  or  slain,  or  else  that 
I  win  yonder  knight.  So  either  departed  from  other  sore 
weeping. 

And  then  Sir  Marhaus  avised  Sir  Tristram,  and  said  thus : 
Young  knight,  Sir  Tristram,  what  dost  thou  here  ?  me  sore 
repenteth  of  thy  courage,  for  wit  thou  well  I  have  matched 
with  the  best  knights  of  the  world,  and  therefore  by  my  counsel 
return  again  unto  thy  vessel.  And  fair  knight,  and  well-proved 
knight,  said  Sir  Tristram,  thou  shalt  well  wit  I  may  not  for- 
sake thee  in  this  quarrel,  for  I  am  for  thy  sake  made  knight. 
And  now  wit  thou  well,  Sir  Marhaus,  that  I  cast  me  to  get 
worship  on  thy  body ;  and  if  that  I  be  not  proved,  I  trust  to 
God  that  I  shall  be  worshipfully  proved  upon  thy  body,  and 


i3o  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

to  deliver  the  country  of  Cornwall  for  ever  from  all  manner 
of  truage  from  Ireland  for  ever. 

When  Sir  Marhaus  had  heard  him  say  what  he  would, 
he  said  then  thus  again :  Fair  knight,  sithen  it  is  so  that 
thou  castest  to  win  worship  of  me,  I  let  thee  wit  worship 
may  thou  none  lose  by  me  if  thou  mayest  stand  me  three 
strokes ;  for  I  let  thee  wit  for  my  noble  deeds,  proved  and 
seen,  King  Arthur  made  me  Knight  of  the  Table  Round. 

Then  they  began  to  feutre  their  spears,  and  they  met  so 
fiercely  together  that  they  smote  either  other  down,  both 
horse  and  all.  But  Sir  Marhaus  smote  Sir  Tristram  a  great 
wound  in  the  side  with  his  spear,  and  then  they  avoided  their 
horses,  and  pulled  out  their  swords,  and  threw  their  shields 
afore  them.  And  then  they  lashed  together  as  men  that  were 
wild  and  courageous.  Thus  they  fought  still  more  than  half 
a  day,  and  either  were  wounded  passing  sore.  By  then  Sir 
Tristram  waxed  more  fresher  than  Sir  Marhaus,  and  better 
winded  and  bigger;  and  with  a  mighty  stroke  he  smote  Sir 
Marhaus  upon  the  helm  such  a  buffet  that  it  went  through 
his  helm,  and  through  the  coif  of  steel,  and  through  the  brain- 
pan, and  the  sword  stuck  so  fast  in  the  helm  and  in  his  brain- 
pan that  Sir  Tristram  pulled  thrice  at  his  sword  or  ever  he 
might  pull  it  out  from  his  head  ;  and  there  Marhaus  fell  down 
on  his  knees,  the  edge  of  Tristram's  sword  left  in  his  brain-pan. 
And  suddenly  Sir  Marhaus  rose  grovelling,  and  threw  his  sword 
and  his  shield  from  him,  and  so  ran  to  his  ships  and  fled  his 
way,  and  Sir  Tristram  had  ever  his  shield  and  his  sword. 

And  when  Sir  Tristram  saw  Sir  Marhaus  withdraw  him, 
he  said  :  Ah !  Sir  Knight  of  the  Round  Table,  why  with- 
drawest  thou  thee  ?  thou  dost  thyself  and  thy  kin  great 
shame,  for  I  am  but  a  young  knight,  or  now  I  was  never 


HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  WAS   HURT  131 

proved,  and  rather  than  I  should  withdraw  me  from  thee, 
I  had  rather  be  hewn  in  an  hundred  pieces.  Sir  Marhaus 
answered  no  word,  but  went  his  way  sore  groaning,  and 
anon  he  and  his  fellowship  departed  into  Ireland.  And 
as  soon  as  he  came  to  the  king,  his  brother,  he  let  search 
his  wounds.  And  when  his  head  was  searched  a  piece  of 
Sir  Tristram's  sword  was  found  therein,  and  might  never 
be  had  out  of  his  head  for  no  surgeons,  and  so  he  died  of 
Sir  Tristram's  sword  ;  and  that  piece  of  the  sword  the  queen, 
his  sister,  kept  it  for  ever  with  her,  for  she  thought  to  be 
revenged  an  she  might. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  WENT  TO  IRELAND 
TO  BE  HEALED  OF  THE  POISON  OF  HIS 
WOUND  AND  THERE  WAS  PUT  TO  THE 
KEEPING  OF  LA  BEALE  ISOUD,  AND  HOW  HE 
WON  THE  DEGREE  AT  A  TOURNAMENT  AND 
MADE  SIR  PALAMIDES  BEAR  NO  HARNESS  OF 
WAR  FOR  A  YEAR.  Now  turn  we  again  unto  Sir  Tris- 
tram, that  was  sore  wounded.  Then  anon  came  Gouvernail, 
his  man,  with  his  vessel.  And  when  Sir  Tristram  was  come 
unto  the  land,  King  Mark  took  him  in  his  arms,  and  the  king 
and  Sir  Dinas,  the  seneschal,  led  him  into  the  castle  of  Tin- 
tagil.  And  then  was  he  searched  in  the  best  manner,  and 
laid  in  his  bed.  And  when  King  Mark  saw  his  wounds  he 
wept  heartily,  and  so  did  all  his  lords.  So  God  me  help,  said 
King  Mark,  I  would  not  for  all  my  lands  that  my  nephew 
died.  So  Sir  Tristram  lay  there  a  month  and  more,  and  ever 
he  was  like  to  die  of  that  stroke  that  Sir  Marhaus  smote  him 
first  with  the  spear.  For,  as  the  French  book  saith,  the  spear's 
head  was  envenomed,  that  Sir  Tristram  might  not  be  whole. 


I32  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Then  came  there  a  lady  that  was  a  right  wise  lady,  and  she 
said  plainly  that  Sir  Tristram  should  never  be  whole  but  if 
he  went  in  the  same  country  that  the  venom  came  from,  and 
in  that  country  should  he  be  holpen  or  else  never. 

When  King  Mark  understood  that,  .he  let  purvey  for  Sir 
Tristram  a  fair  vessel,  well  victualled,  and  therein  was  put 
Sir  Tristram,  and  Gouvernail  with  him,  and  Sir  Tristram 
took  his  harp  with  him,  and  so  he  was  put  into  the  sea  to 
sail  into  Ireland ;  and  so  by  good  fortune  he  arrived  up 
in  Ireland,  even  fast  by  a  castle  where  the  king  and  the  queen 
was ;  and  at  his  arrival  he  sat  and  harped  in  his  bed  a  merry 
lay,  such  one  heard  they  never  none  in  Ireland  before  that 
time. 

And  when  it  was  told  the  king  and  the  queen  of  such  a 
knight  that  was  such  an  harper,  anon  the  king  sent  for  him, 
and  let  search  his  wounds,  and  then  asked  him  his  name. 
Then  he  answered,  I  am  of  the  country  of  Liones,  and 
my  name  is  Tramtrist,  that  thus  was  wounded  in  a  battle 
as  I  fought  for  a  lady's  right.  So  God  me  help,  said  King 
Anguish,  ye  shall  have  all  the  help  in  this  land  that  ye  may 
have  here ;  but  I  let  you  wit,  in  Cornwall  I  had  a  great  loss 
as  ever  had  king,  for  there  I  lost  the  best  knight  of  the  world  ; 
his  name  was  Marhaus,  a  full  noble  knight,  and  Knight  of  the 
Table  Round ;  and  there  he  told  Sir  Tristram  wherefore  Sir 
Marhaus  was  slain.  Sir  Tristram  made  semblant  as  he  had 
been  sorry,  and  better  knew  he  how  it  was  than  the  king. 

Then  the  king  for  great  favour  made  Tramtrist  to  be 
put  in  his  daughter's  ward  and  keeping,  because  she  was  a 
noble  surgeon.  And  when  she  had  searched  him  she  found 
in  the  bottom  of  his  wound  that  therein  was  poison,  and  so 
she  healed  him  within  a  while;  and  therefore  Tramtrist 


OF  TRISTRAM  AND   LA   BEALE   ISOUD      133 

cast  great  love  to  La  Beale  Isoud,  for  she  was  at  that  time 
the  fairest  maid  and  lady  of  the  world.  And  there  Tramtrist 
learned  her  to  harp,  and  she  began  to  have  a  great  fantasy 
unto  him.  And  at  that  time  Sir  Palamides,  the  Saracen, 
was  in  that  country,  and  well  cherished  with  the  king  and 
the  queen.  And  every  day  Sir  Palamides  drew  unto  La 
Beale  Isoud  and  proffered  her  many  gifts,  for  he  loved  her 
passingly  well.  All  that  espied  Tramtrist,  and  full  well  knew 
he  Sir  Palamides  for  a  noble  knight  and  a  mighty  man.  And 
wit  you  well  Sir  Tramtrist  had  great  despite  at  Sir  Palamides, 
for  La  Beale  Isoud  told  Tramtrist  that  Palamides  was  in  will 
to  be  christened  for  her  sake.  Thus  was  there  great  envy 
betwixt  Tramtrist  and  Sir  Palamides. 

Then  it  befell  that  King  Anguish  let  cry  a  great  jousts 
and  a  great  tournament  for  a  lady  that  was  called  the  Lady 
of  the  Launds,  and  she  was  nigh  cousin  unto  the  king.  And 
what  man  won  her,  three  days  after  he  should  wed  her  and 
have  all  her  lands.  This  cry  was  made  in  England,  Wales, 
Scotland,  and  also  in  France  and  in  Brittany.  It  befell  upon 
a  day  La  Beale  Isoud  came  unto  Sir  Tramtrist,  and  told 
him  of  this  tournament.  He  answered  and  said  :  Fair  lady, 
I  am  but  a  feeble  knight,  and  but  late  I  had  been  dead  had 
not  your  good  ladyship  been.  Now,  fair  lady,  what  would 
ye  I  should  do  in  this  matter  ?  well  ye  wot,  my  lady,  that  I 
may  not  joust.  Ah,  Tramtrist,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  why  will 
ye  not  have  ado  at  that  tournament  ?  well  I  wot  Sir  Palamides 
shall  be  there,  and  to  do  what  he  may ;  and  therefore  Tram- 
trist, I  pray  you  for  to  be  there,  for  else  Sir  Palamides  is  like 
to  win  the  degree.  Madam,  said  Tramtrist,  as  for  that,  it 
may  be  so,  for  he  is  a  proved  knight,  and  I  am  but  a  young 
knight  and  late  made ;  and  the  first  battle  that  I  did  it  mis- 


134  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

happed  me  to  be  sore  wounded  as  ye  see.  But  an  I  wist  ye 
would  be  my  better  lady,  at  that  tournament  I  will  be,  so 
that  ye  will  keep  my  counsel  and  let  no  creature  have  knowl- 
edge that  I  shall  joust  but  yourself,  and  such  as  ye  will  to 
keep  your  counsel.  My  poor  person  shall  I  jeopard  there 
for  your  sake,  that,  peradventure,  Sir  Palamides  shall  know 
when  that  I  come.  Thereto,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  do  your 
best,  and  as  I  can,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  I  shall  purvey  horse 
and  armour  for  you  at  my  device.  As  ye  will  so  be  it,  said 
Sir  Tramtrist,  I  will  be  at  your  commandment. 

So  at  the  day  of  jousts  there  came  Sir  Palamides  with  a 
black  shield,  and  he  overthrew  many  knights,  that  all  the 
people  had  marvel  of  him.  For  he  put  to  the  worse  Sir 
Gawaine,  Gaheris,  Agravaine,  Bagdemagus,  Kay,  Dodinas 
le  Savage,  Sagramore  le  Desirous,  Gumret  le  Petit,  and 
Griflet  le  Fise  de  Dieu.  All  these  the  first  day  Sir  Pala- 
mides struck  down  to  the  earth.  And  then  all  manner  of 
knights  were  adread  of  Sir  Palamides,  and  many  called  him 
the  Knight  with  the  Black  Shield.  So  that  day  Sir  Palamides 
had  great  worship. 

Then  came  there  the  same  squire  that  was  sent  from  the 
king's  daughter  to  France  unto  Sir  Tristram.  And  when  he 
had  espied  Sir  Tristram  he  fell  flat  to  his  feet.  All  that  espied 
La  Beale  Isoud,  what  courtesy  the  squire  made  unto  Sir 
Tristram.  And  therewithal  suddenly  Sir  Tristram  ran  unto 
his  squire,  whose  name  was  Hebes  le  Renoumes,  and  prayed 
him  heartily  in  no  wise  to  tell  his  name.  Sir,  said  Hebes,  I 
will  not  discover  your  name  but  if  ye  command  me. 

And  on  the  morn  Sir  Palamides  made  him  ready  to  come 
into  the  field  as  he  did  the  first  day.  And  there  he  smote 
down  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights,  and  the  King 


SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   PALAMIDES          135 

of  Scots.  Then  had  La  Beale  Isoud  ordained  and  well 
arrayed  Sir  Tristram  in  white  horse  and  harness.  And  right 
so  she  let  put  him  out  at  a  privy  postern,  and  so  he  came  into 
the  field  as  it  had  been  a  bright  angel.  And  anon  Sir  Pala- 
mides  espied  him,  and  therewith  he  feutred  a  spear  unto 
Sir  Tramtrist,  and  he  again  unto  him.  And  there  Sir  Tris- 
tram smote  down  Sir  Palamides  unto  the  earth.  And  then 
there  was  a  great  noise  of  people :  and  wit  you  well  La  Beale 
Isoud  was  passing  glad. 

And  when  Sir  Palamides  had  received  this  fall,  he  was 
sore  ashamed,  and  as  privily  as  he  might  he  withdrew  him 
out  of  the  field.  All  that  espied  Sir  Tristram,  and  lightly 
he  rode  after  Sir  Palamides  and  overtook  him,  and  bade  him 
turn,  for  better  he  would  assay  him  or  ever  he  departed. 
Then  Sir  Palamides  turned  him,  and  either  lashed  at  other 
with  their  swords.  But  at  the  first  stroke  Sir  Tristram  smote 
down  Palamides,  and  gave  him  such  a  stroke  upon  the  head 
that  he  fell  to  the  earth.  So  then  Tristram  bade  yield  him, 
and  do  his  commandment,  or  else  he  would  slay  him.  When 
Sir  Palamides  beheld  his  countenance,  he  dread  his  buffets 
so,  that  he  granted  all  his  askings.  Well  said,  said  Sir  Tris- 
tram, this  shall  be  your  charge.  First,  upon  pain  of  your 
life  that  ye  forsake  my  lady  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  in  no 
manner  wise  that  ye  draw  not  to  her.  Also  this  twelve- 
month and  a  day  that  ye  bear  none  armour  nor  none  harness 
of  war.  Now  promise  me  this,  or  here  shalt  thou  die.  Alas, 
said  Palamides,  for  ever  am  I  ashamed.  Then  he  sware  as 
Sir  Tristram  had  commanded  him.  Then  for  despite  and  anger 
Sir  Palamides  cut  off  his  harness,  and  threw  them  away. 

And  so  Sir  Tristram  turned  again  to  the  castle  and  rode 
privily  unto  the  postern,  where  kept  him  La  Beale  Isoud, 


i36  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

and  there  she  made  him  good  cheer,  and  thanked  God  of 
his  good  speed.  So  anon,  within  a  while,  the  king  and  the 
queen  understood  that  it  was  Tramtrist  that  smote  down  Sir 
Palamides ;  then  was  he  much  made  of,  more  than  he  was 
before. 


HOW  THE  QUEEN  ESPIED  THAT  SIR 
TRISTRAM  HAD  SLAIN  HER  BROTHER 
SIR  MARHAUS  BY  HIS  SWORD,  AND 
IN  WHAT  JEOPARDY  HE  WAS,  AND 
HOW  THE  KING  SUFFERED  HIM  TO 
RETURN  TO  CORNWALL.  Thus  was  Sir 
Tramtrist  long  there  well  cherished  with  the  king  and  the 
queen,  and  namely  with  La  Beale  Isoud.  So  upon  a  day  the 
queen  and  La  Beale  Isoud  made  a  bath  for  Sir  Tramtrist. 
And  when  he  was  in  his  bath  the  queen  and  Isoud,  her  daugh- 
ter, roamed  up  and  down  in  the  chamber;  and  therewhiles 
Gouvernail  and  Hebes  attended  upon  Tramtrist,  and  the 
queen  beheld  his  sword  thereas  it  lay  upon  his  bed.  And 
then  by  unhap  the  queen  drew  out  his  sword  and  beheld  it 
a  long  while,  and  both  they  thought  it  a  passing  fair  sword ; 
but  within  a  foot  and  an  half  of  the  point  there  was  a  great 
piece  thereof  out-broken  of  the  edge.  And  when  the  queen 
espied  that  gap  in  the  sword,  she  remembered  her  of  a  piece 
of  a  sword  that  was  found  in  the  brain-pan  of  Sir  Marhaus, 
the  good  knight  that  was  her  brother.  Alas  then,  said  she 
unto  her  daughter,  La  Beale  Isoud,  this  is  the  same  traitor 
knight  that  slew  my  brother,  thine  erne.  When  Isoud  heard 
her  say  so  she  was  passing  sore  abashed,  for  passing  well  she 
loved  Tramtrist,  and  full  well  she  knew  the  cruelness  of  her 
mother  the  queen. 


SIR  TRISTRAM  IN  JEOPARDY  137 

Anon  therewithal  the  queen  went  unto  her  own  chamber, 
and  sought  her  coffer,  and  there  she  took  out  the  piece  of 
the  sword  that  was  pulled  out  of  Sir  Marhaus'  head  after 
that  he  was  dead.  And  then  she  ran  with  that  piece  of 
iron  to  the  sword  that  lay  upon  the  bed.  And  when  she 
put  that  piece  of  steel  and  iron  unto  the  sword,  it  was  as  meet 
as  it  might  be  when  it  was  new  broken.  And  then  the  queen 
gripped  that  sword  in  her  hand  fiercely,  and  with  all  her 
might  she  ran  straight  upon  Tramtrist  where  he  sat  in  his 
bath,  and  there  she  had  rived  him  through  had  not  Sir  Hebes 
gotten  her  in  his  arms,  and  pulled  the  sword  from  her,  and 
else  she  had  thrust  him  through. 

Then  when  she  was  let  of  her  evil  will  she  ran  to  the  King 
Anguish,  her  husband,  and  said  on  her  knees :  O  my  lord, 
here  have  ye  in  your  house  that  traitor  knight  that  slew  my 
brother  and  your  servant,  that  noble  knight,  Sir  Marhaus. 
Who  is  that,  said  King  Anguish,  and  where  is  he  ?  Sir,  she 
said,  it  is  Sir  Tramtrist,  the  same  knight  that  my  daughter 
healed.  Alas,  said  the  king,  therefore  am  I  right  heavy,  for 
he  is  a  full  noble  knight  as  ever  I  saw  in  field.  B.ut  I  charge 
you,  said  the  king  to  the  queen,  that  ye  have  not  ado  with 
that  knight,  but  let  me  deal  with  him. 

Then  the  king  went  into  the  chamber  unto  Sir  Tramtrist, 
and  then  was  he  gone  unto  his  chamber,  and  the  king  found 
him  all  ready  armed  to  mount  upon  his  horse.  When  the 
king  saw  him  all  ready  armed  to  go  unto  horseback,  the  king 
said  :  Nay,  Tramtrist,  it  will  not  avail  to  compare  thee  against 
me ;  but  thus  much  I  shall  do  for  my  worship  and  for  thy 
love ;  in  so  much  as  thou  art  within  my  court  it  were  no 
worship  for  me  to  slay  thee :  therefore  upon  this  condition 
I  will  give  thee  leave  for  to  depart  from  this  court  in  safety, 


i38  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

so  thou  wilt  tell  me  who  was  thy  father,  and  what  is  thy 
name,  and  if  thou  slew  Sir  Marhaus,  my  brother. 

Sir,  said  Tristram,  now  I  shall  tell  you  all  the  truth :  my 
father's  name  is  Sir  Meliodas,  King  of  Liones,  and  my  mother 
hight  Elizabeth,  that  was  sister  unto  King  Mark  of  Cornwall ; 
and  my  mother  died  of  me  in  the  forest,  and  because  thereof 
she  commanded,  or  she  died,  that  when  I  were  christened 
they  should  christen  me  Tristram ;  and  because  I  would  not 
be  known  in  this  country  I  turned  my  name  and  let  me  call 
Tramtrist ;  and  for  the  truage  of  Cornwall  I  fought  for  my  erne's 
sake,  and  for  the  right  of  Cornwall  that  ye  had  posseded  many 
years.  And  wit  ye  well,  said  Tristram  unto  the  king,  I  did  the 
battle  for  the  love  of  mine  uncle,  King  Mark,  and  for  the  love 
of  the  country  of  Cornwall,  and  for  to  increase  mine  honour ; 
for  that  same  day  that  I  fought  with  Sir  Marhaus  I  was  made 
knight,  and  never  or  then  did  I  battle  with  no  knight,  and  from 
me  he  went  alive,  and  left  his  shield  and  his  sword  behind. 

Truly,  said  the  king,  I  may  not  say  but  ye  did  as  a  knight 
should,  and  it  was  your  part  to  do  for  your  quarrel,  and  to 
increase  your  worship  as  a  knight  should  ;  howbeit  I  may  not 
maintain  you  in  this  country  with  my  worship,  unless  that  I 
should  displease  my  barons,  and  my  wife  and  her  kin.  Sir, 
said  Tristram,  I  thank  you  of  your  good  lordship  that  I  have 
had  with  you  here,  and  the  great  goodness  my  lady,  your 
daughter,  hath  shewed  me,  and  therefore,  said  Sir  Tristram,  it 
may  so  happen  that  ye  shall  win  more  by  my  life  than  by  my 
death,  for  in  the  parts  of  England  it  may  happen  I  may  do 
you  service  at  some  season,  that  ye  shall  be  glad  that  ever  ye 
shewed  me  your  good  lordship. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  went  unto  La  Beale  Isoud  and  took 
his  leave  of  her.  And  then  he  told  her  all,  what  he  was, 


OF   SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   KING  MARK       139 

and  how  he  had  changed  his  name  because  he  would  not  be 
known,  and  how  a  lady  told  him  that  he  should  never  be  whole 
till  he  came  into  this  country  where  the  poison  was  made, 
wherethrough  1  was  near  my  death  had  not  your  ladyship 
been.  O  gentle  knight,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  full  woe  am  I 
of  thy  departing,  for  I  saw  never  man  that  I  owed  so  good  will 
to.  And  therewithal  she  wept  heartily.  Madam,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  ye  shall  understand  that  my  name  is  Sir  Tristram 
de  Liones,  son  of  King  Meliodas  and  of  his  queen.  And  I 
promise  you  faithfully  that  I  shall  be  all  the  days  of  my  life 
your  knight.  Gramercy,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  I  promise 
you  there-against  that  I  shall  not  be  married  this  seven 
years  but  by  your  assent ;  and  to  whom  that  ye  will  I  shall  be 
married  him  will  I  have,  and  he  will  have  me  if  ye  will  consent. 

And  then  Sir  Tristram  gave  her  a  ring,  and  she  gave 
him  another ;  and  therewith  he  departed  from  her,  leaving 
her  making  great  dole  and  lamentation. 

So  Sir  Tristram  departed,  and  took  the  sea,  and  with 
good  wind  he  arrived  up  at  Tintagil  in  Cornwall ;  and  when 
there  came  tidings  that  Sir  Tristram  was  arrived,  and  whole 
of  his  wounds,  thereof  was  King  Mark  passing  glad,  and  so 
were  all  the  barons ;  and  wrhen  Sir  Tristram  saw  his  time  he 
rode  unto  his  father,  King  Meliodas,  and  there  he  had  all 
the  cheer  that  the  king  and  the  queen  could  make  him.  And 
then  largely  King  Meliodas  and  his  queen  departed  of  their 
lands  and  goods  to  Sir  Tristram. 

HOW     KING     MARK     SENT    SIR     TRISTRAM 
FOR  LA   BEALE  ISOUD  TOWARD  IRELAND, 
AND     HOW     BY     FORTUNE    HE    ARRIVED 
INTO    ENGLAND    AND  FOUGHT    FOR    KING    AN- 


i4o  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

GUISH  AGAINST  SIR  BLAMORE.  Then  King  Mark 
imagined  in  himself  to  send  Sir  Tristram  into  Ireland  for  La 
Beale  Isoud.  For  Sir  Tristram  had  so  praised  her  beauty  and 
her  goodness  that  King  Mark  said  that  he  would  wed  her, 
whereupon  he  prayed  Sir  Tristram  to  take  his  way  into  Ireland 
for  him  on  message.  So  Sir  Tristram  departed  and  took  the 
sea  with  all  his  fellowship.  And  anon,  as  he  was  in  the  broad 
sea  a  tempest  took  him  and  his  fellowship,  and  drove  them 
back  into  the  coast  of  England ;  and  there  they  arrived  fast 
by  Camelot,  and  when  they  were  landed  Sir  Tristram  set 
up  his  pavilion. 

Then  it  fell  that  Sir  Bleoberis  and  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis, 
that  were  brethren,  they  had  summoned  the  King  Anguish 
of  Ireland  for  to  come  to  Arthur's  court  upon  pain  of  for- 
feiture of  King  Arthur's  good  grace.  And  if  the  King  of 
Ireland  came  not  in,  at  the  day  assigned  and  set,  the  king 
should  lose  his  lands.  So  it  happened  that  at  the  day  assigned, 
King  Arthur  neither  Sir  Launcelot  might  not  be  there  for  to 
give  the  judgment,  for  King  Arthur  was  with  Sir  Launcelot 
at  the  Castle  Joyous  Garde.  And  so  King  Arthur  assigned 
King  Carados  and  the  King  of  Scots  to  be  there  that  day  as 
judges.  So  when  the  kings  were  at  Camelot  King  Anguish 
of  Ireland  was  come  to  know  his  accusers.  Then  was  there 
Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis,  and  appealed  the  King  of  Ireland  of 
treason,  that  he  had  slain  a  cousin  of  his  in  his  court  in  Ireland 
by  treason.  The  king  was  sore  abashed  of  his  accusation,  for- 
why  he  was  come  at  the  summons  of  King  Arthur,  and  ere 
that  he  came  at  Camelot  he  wist  not  wherefore  he  was  sent 
after.  And  when  the  king  heard  Sir  Blamore  say  his  will, 
he  understood  well  there  was  none  other  remedy  but  to 
answer  him  knightly ;  for  the  custom  was  such  in  those  days, 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   KING  ANGUISH    141 

that  an  any  man  were  appealed  of  any  treason  or  murder  he 
should  fight  body  for  body,  or  else  to  find  another  knight  for 
him.  And  all  manner  of  murders  in  those  days  were  called 
treason. 

So  when  King  Anguish  understood  his  accusing  he  was 
passing  heavy,  for  he  knew  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis  that  he  was 
a  noble  knight,  and  of  noble  knights  come.  Then  the  King 
of  Ireland  was  simply  purveyed  of  his  answer ;  therefore  the 
judges  gave  him  respite  by  the  third  day  to  give  his  answer. 
So  the  king  departed  unto  his  lodging. 

Then  when  Sir  Tristram  was  in  his  pavilion  Gouvernail, 
his  man,  came  and  told  him  how  that  King  Anguish  of  Ire- 
land was  come  thither,  and  was  summoned  and  appealed  of 
murder.  These  be  the  best  tidings,  said  Sir  Tristram,  that 
ever  came  to  me  this  seven  years,  for  now  shall  the  King  of 
Ireland  have  need  of  my  help ;  for  I  daresay  there  is  no 
knight  in  this  country  that  is  not  of  Arthur's  court  dare  do 
battle  with  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis ;  and  for  to  win  the  love  of 
the  King  of  Ireland  I  will  take  the  battle  upon  me  ;  and  there- 
fore Gouvernail  bring  me,  I  charge  thee,  to  the  king. 

Then  Gouvernail  went  unto  King  Anguish  of  Ireland, 
and  saluted  him  fair.  The  king  welcomed  him  and  asked 
him  what  he  would.  Sir,  said  Gouvernail,  here  is  a  knight 
near  hand  that  desireth  to  speak  with  you :  he  bade  me  say 
he  would  do  you  service.  What  knight  is  he  ?  said  the  king. 
Sir,  said  he,  it  is  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones,  that  for  your  good 
grace  that  ye  showed  him  in  your  lands  will  reward  you  in 
this  country.  Come  on,  fellow,  said  the  king,  with  me  anon 
and  show  me  unto  Sir  Tristram.  So  the  king  took  a  little 
hackney  and  but  few  fellowship  with  him,  until  he  came  unto 
Sir  Tristram's  pavilion.  And  when  Sir  Tristram  saw  the 


i42  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

king  he  ran  unto  him  and  would  have  holden  his  stirrup. 
But  the  king  leapt  from  his  horse  lightly,  and  either  halsed 
other  in  arms.  My  gracious  lord,  said  Sir  Tristram,  gra- 
mercy  of  your  great  goodnesses  showed  unto  me  in  your 
marches  and  lands :  and  at  that  time  I  promised  you  to  do 
my  service  an  ever  it  lay  in  my  power.  And,  gentle  knight, 
said  the  king  unto  Sir  Tristram,  now  have  I  great  need  of 
you,  never  had  I  so  great  need  of  no  knight's  help.  How  so, 
my  good  lord  ?  said  Sir  Tristram.  I  shall  tell  you,  said  the 
king :  I  am  assummoned  and  appealed  from  my  country  for 
the  death  of  a  knight  that  was  kin  unto  the  good  knight  Sir 
Launcelot ;  wherefore  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis,  brother  to  Sir 
Bleoberis,  hath  appealed  me  to  fight  with  him,  outher  to  find 
a  knight  in  my  stead.  And  well  I  wot,  said  the  king,  these 
that  are  come  of  King  Ban's  blood,  as  Sir  Launcelot  and  these 
other,  are  passing  good  knights,  and  hard  men  for  to  win  in 
battle  as  any  that  I  know  now  living.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
for  the  good  lordship  ye  showed  me  in  Ireland,  and  for  my 
lady  your  daughter's  sake,  La  Beale  Isoud,  I  will  take  the 
battle  for  you  upon  this  condition  that  ye  shall  grant  me  two 
things :  that  one  is  that  ye  shall  swear  to  me  that  ye  are  in 
the  right,  that  ye  were  never  consenting  to  the  knight's  death  ; 
then,  when  that  I  have  done  this  battle,  if  God  give  me  grace 
that  I  speed,  that  ye  shall  give  me  a  reward,  what  thing 
reasonable  that  I  will  ask  of  you.  So  God  me  help,  said  the 
king,  ye  shall  have  whatsomever  ye  will  ask.  It  is  well  said, 
said  Sir  Tristram.  Now  make  your  answer  that  your  cham- 
pion is  ready,  for  I  shall  die  in  your  quarrel  rather  than  to  be 
recreant. 

So  King  Anguish  departed  unto  King  Carados  and  the 
kings  that  were  that  time  as  judges,  and  told  them  that  he 


SIR  TRISTRAM   FIGHTS   SIR   BLAMORE       143 

had  found  his  champion  ready.  Then  by  the  commandment 
of  the  kings  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis  and  Sir  Tristram  were 
sent  for  to  hear  the  charge.  And  when  they  were  come 
before  the  judges  there  were  many  kings  and  knights  beheld 
Sir  Tristram,  and  much  speech  they  had  of  him  because  that 
he  slew  Sir  Marhaus,  the  good  knight,  and  because  he  for- 
jousted  Sir  Palamides  the  good  knight.  So  when  they  had 
taken  their  charge  they  withdrew  them  to  make  them  ready 
to  do  battle. 

Then  said  Sir  Bleoberis  unto  his  brother,  Sir  Blamore: 
Fair  dear  brother,  remember  of  what  kin  we  be  come  of, 
and  what  a  man  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  neither  farther 
nor  nearer  but  brother's  children,  and  there  was  never  none 
of  our  kin  that  ever  was  shamed  in  battle  ;  and  rather  suffer 
death,  brother,  than  to  be  shamed.  Brother,  said  Blamore, 
have  ye  no  doubt  of  me,  for  I  shall  never  shame  none  of  my 
blood ;  howbeit  I  am  sure  that  yonder  knight  is  called  a 
passing  good  knight,  as  of  his  time  one  of  the  world,  yet  shall 
I  never  yield  me,  nor  say  the  loath  word  :  well  may  he  happen 
to  smite  me  down  with  his  great  might  of  chivalry,  but  rather 
shall  he  slay  me  than  I  shall  yield  me  as  recreant.  God  speed 
you  well,  said  Sir  Bleoberis,  for  ye  shall  find  him  the  mightiest 
knight  that  ever  ye  had  ado  withal,  for  I  know  him,  for  I 
have  had  ado  with  him.  God  me  speed,  said  Sir  Blamore 
de  Ganis ;  and  therewith  he  took  his  horse  at  the  one  end  of 
the  lists,  and  Sir  Tristram  at  the  other  end  of  the  lists,  and  so 
they  feutred  their  spears  and  came  together  as  it  had  been 
thunder ;  and  there  Sir  Tristram  through  great  might  smote 
down  Sir  Blamore  and  his  horse  to  the  earth.  Then  anon  Sir 
Blamore  avoided  his  horse  and  pulled  out  his  sword  and  threw 
his  shield  afore  him,  and  bade  Sir  Tristram  alight :  For 


144  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

though  an  horse  hath  failed  me,  I  trust  to  God  the  earth  will 
not  fail  me.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  alighted,  and  dressed 
him  unto  battle ;  and  there  they  lashed  together  strongly  as 
racing  and  tracing,  foining  and  dashing,  many  sad  strokes, 
and  at  the  last,  Sir  Tristram  smote  Sir  Blamore  such  a  buffet 
upon  the  helm  that  he  there  fell  down  upon  his  side,  and  Sir 
Tristram  stood  and  beheld  him. 

Then  when  Sir  Blamore  might  speak,  he  said  thus :  Sir 
Tristram  de  Liones,  I  require  thee,  as  thou  art  a  noble  knight, 
and  the  best  knight  that  ever  I  found,  that  thou  wilt  slay 
me  out,  for  I  would  not  live  to  be  made  lord  of  all  the  earth, 
for  I  have  liefer  die  with  worship  than  live  with  shame ;  and 
needs,  Sir  Tristram,  thou  must  slay  me,  or  else  thou  shalt 
never  win  the  field,  for  I  will  never  say  the  loath  word.  And 
therefore  if  thou  dare  slay  me,  slay  me,  I  require  thee.  When 
Sir  Tristram  heard  him  say  so  knightly,  he  wist  not  what 
to  do  with  him ;  he  remembering  him  of  both  parties,  of 
what  blood  he  was  come,  and  for  Sir  Launcelot's  sake  he 
would  be  loath  to  slay  him  ;  and  in  the  other  party  in  no  wise 
he  might  not  choose,  but  that  he  must  make  him  to  say  the 
loath  word,  or  else  to  slay  him. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  stert  aback,  and  went  to  the  kings 
that  were  judges,  and  there  he  kneeled  down  to-fore  them, 
and  besought  them  for  their  worships,  and  for  King  Arthur's 
and  Sir  Launcelot's  sake,  that  they  would  take  this  matter  in 
their  hands.  For,  my  fair  lords,  said  Sir  Tristram,  it  were 
shame  and  pity  that  this  noble  knight  that  yonder  lieth 
should  be  slain ;  for  ye  hear  well,  shamed  will  he  not  be, 
and  I  pray  to  God  that  he  never  be  slain  nor  shamed  for 
me.  And  as  for  the  king  for  whom  I  fight  for,  I  shall  require 
him,  as  I  am  his  true  champion  and  true  knight  in  this  field, 


SIR  TRISTRAM  SPARES  SIR   BLAMORE       145 

that  he  will  have  mercy  upon  this  good  knight.  So  God  me 
help,  said  King  Anguish,  I  will  for  your  sake,  Sir  Tristram,  be 
ruled  as  ye  will  have  me,  for  I  know  you  for  my  true  knight ; 
and  therefore  I  will  heartily  pray  the  kings  that  be  here  as 
judges  to  take  it  in  their  hands.  And  the  kings  that  were 
judges  called  Sir  Bleoberis  to  them,  and  asked  him  his  advice. 
My  lords,  said  Bleoberis,  though  my  brother  be  beaten,  and 
hath  the  worse  through  might  of  arms,  I  dare  say,  though  Sir 
Tristram  hath  beaten  his  body  he  hath  not  beaten  his  heart, 
and  I  thank  God  he  is  not  shamed  this  day ;  and  rather  than 
he  should  be  shamed  I  require  you,  said  Bleoberis,  let  Sir 
Tristram  slay  him  out.  It  shall  not  be  so,  said  the  kings,  for 
his  part  adversary,  both  the  king  and  the  champion,  have 
pity  of  Sir  Blamore's  knighthood.  My  lords,  said  Bleoberis, 
I  will  right  well  as  ye  will. 

Then  the  kings  called  the  King  of  Ireland,  and  found  him 
goodly  and  treatable.  And  then,  by  all  their  advices, 
Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Bleoberis  took  up  Sir  Blamore,  and  the 
two  brethren  were  accorded  with  King  Anguish,  and  kissed 
and  made  friends  for  ever.  And  then  Sir  Blamore  and  Sir 
Tristram  kissed  together,  and  there  they  made  their  oaths 
that  they  would  never  none  of  them  two  brethren  fight  with 
Sir  Tristram,  and  Sir  Tristram  made  the  same  oath.  And 
for  that  gentle  battle  all  the  blood  of  Sir  Launcelot  loved 
Sir  Tristram  for  ever. 

Then  King  Anguish  and  Sir  Tristram  took  their  leave, 
and  sailed  into  Ireland  with  great  noblesse  and  joy.  So 
when  they  were  in  Ireland  the  king  let  make  it  known  through- 
out all  the  land  how  and  in  what  manner  Sir  Tristram  had 
done  for  him.  Then  the  queen  and  all  that  there  were  made 
the  most  of  him  that  they  might.  But  the  joy  that  La  Beale 


146  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Isoud  made  of  Sir  Tristram  there  might  no  tongue  tell,  for 
of  all  men  earthly  she  loved  him  most. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  DEMANDED  LA 
BEALE  ISOUD  FOR  KING  MARK,  AND 
HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  ISOUD  DRANK 
THE  LOVE  DRINK,  AND  HOW  SIR  TRIS- 
TRAM RESCUED  ISOUD  FROM  SIR 
PALAMIDES.  Then  upon  a  day  King  An- 
guish asked  Sir  Tristram  why  he  asked  not 
his  boon,  for  whatsomever  he  had  promised 
him  he  should  have  it  without  fail.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
now  is  it  time ;  this  is  all  that  I  will  desire,  that  ye  will  give 
me  La  Beale  Isoud,  your  daughter,  not  for  myself,  but  for 
mine  uncle,  King  Mark,  that  shall  have  her  to  wife,  for  so 
have  I  promised  him.  Alas,  said  the  king,  I  had  liefer  than 
all  the  land  that  I  have  ye  would  wed  her  yourself.  Sir, 
an  I  did,  then  I  were  shamed  for  ever  in  this  world,  and  false 
of  my  promise.  Therefore,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  pray  you  hold 
your  promise  that  ye  promised  me ;  for  this  is  my  desire, 
that  ye  will  give  me  La  Beale  Isoud  to  go  with  me  into  Cornwall 
for  to  be  wedded  to  King  Mark,  mine  uncle.  As  for  that,  said 
King  Anguish,  ye  shall  have  her  with  you  to  do  with  her 
what  it  please  you  ;  that  is  for  to  say  if  that  ye  list  to  wed  her 
yourself,  that  is  me  liefest,  and  if  ye  will  give  her  unto  King 
Mark,  your  uncle,  that  is  in  your  choice.  So,  to  make  short 
conclusion,  La  Beale  Isoud  was  made  ready  to  go  with  Sir 
Tristram,  and  Dame  Bragwaine  went  with  her  for  her  chief 
gentlewoman,  with  many  other. 

Then  the  queen,  Isoud's  mother,  gave  to  her  and  Dame 
Bragwaine,  her  daughter's  gentlewoman,  and  unto  Gouver- 


OF  THE  WEDDING  OF   KING  MARK        147 

nail,  a  drink,  and  charged  them  that  what  day  King  Mark 
should  wed,  that  same  day  they  should  give  him  that  drink, 
so  that  King  Mark  should  drink  to  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  then, 
said  the  queen,  I  undertake  either  shall  love  other  the  days 
of  their  life.  So  this  drink  was  given  unto  Dame  Bragwaine, 
and  unto  Gouvernail.  And  then  anon  Sir  Tristram  took 
the  sea,  and  La  Beale  Isoud ;  and  when  they  were  in  their 
eabin,  it  happed  so  that  they  were  thirsty,  and  they  saw  a 
little  flasket  of  gold  stand  by  them,  and  it  seemed  by  the 
colour  and  the  taste  that  it  was  noble  wine.  Then  Sir  Tris- 
tram took  the  flasket  in  his  hand,  and  said,  Madam  Isoud, 
here  is  the  best  drink  that  ever  ye  drank,  that  Dame  Brag- 
waine, your  maiden,  and  Gouvernail,  my  servant,  have  kept 
for  themselves.  Then  they  laughed  and  made  good  cheer, 
and  either  drank  to  other  freely,  and  they  thought  never  drink 
that  ever  they  drank  to  other  was  so  sweet  nor  so  good.  But 
by  that  their  drink  was  in  their  bodies,  they  loved  either  other 
so  well  that  never  their  love  departed  for  weal  neither  for  woe. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  and  La  Beale  Isoud  came  into  Corn- 
wall, and  there  all  the  barons  met  them.  And  anon  King 
Mark  and  La  Beale  Isoud  were  richly  wedded  with  great 
noblesse.  Then  was  there  great  jousts  and  great  tourney- 
ing, and  many  lords  and  ladies  were  at  that  feast,  and  Sir 
Tristram  was  most  praised  of  all  other. 

Thus  dured  the  feast  long,  and  after  the  feast  was  done, 
within  a  little  while  after,  by  the  assent  of  two  ladies  that  were 
with  Queen  Isoud,  they  ordained  for  hate  and  envy  for  to  de- 
stroy Dame  Bragwaine,  that  was  maiden  and  lady  unto  La 
Beale  Isoud ;  and  she  was  sent  into  the  forest  for  to  fetch 
herbs,  and  there  she  was  met,  and  bound  feet  and  hand  to  a 
tree,  and  so  she  was  bounden  three  days.  And  by  fortune, 


i48  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Sir  Palamides  found  Dame  Bragwaine,  and  there  he  delivered 
her  from  the  death,  and  brought  her  to  a  nunnery  there  beside, 
for  to  be  recovered.  When  Isoud  the  queen  missed  her 
maiden,  wit  ye  well  she  was  right  heavy  as  ever  was  any 
queen,  for  of  all  earthly  women  she  loved  her  best :  the  cause 
was  for  she  came  with  her  out  of  her  country.  And  so  upon 
a  day  Queen  Isoud  walked  into  the  forest  to  put  away  her 
thoughts,  and  there  she  went  herself  unto  a  well  and  made 
great  moan.  And  suddenly  there  came  Palamides  to  her, 
and  had  heard  all  her  complaint,  and  said :  Madam  Isoud, 
an  ye  will  grant  me  my  boon,  I  shall  bring  to  you  Dame  Brag- 
waine safe  and  sound.  And  the  queen  was  so  glad  of  his 
proffer  that  suddenly  unadvised  she  granted  all  his  asking. 
Well,  Madam,  said  Palamides,  I  trust  to  your  promise,  and  if 
ye  will  abide  here  half  an  hour  I  shall  bring  her  to  you.  I 
shall  abide  you,  said  La  Beale  Isoud.  And  Sir  Palamides 
rode  forth  his  way  to  that  nunnery,  and  lightly  he  came  again 
with  Dame  Bragwaine ;  but  by  her  good  will  she  would  not 
have  come  again,  because  for  love  of  the  queen  she  stood  in 
adventure  of  her  life.  Notwithstanding,  half  against  her 
will,  she  went  with  Sir  Palamides  unto  the  queen.  And  when 
the  queen  saw  her  she  was  passing  glad.  Now,  Madam, 
said  Palamides,  remember  upon  your  promise,  for  I  have 
fulfilled  my  promise.  Sir  Palamides,  said  the  queen,  I  wot 
not  what  is  your  desire,  but  I  will  that  ye  wit,  howbeit  I 
promised  you  largely,  I  thought  none  evil,  nor  I  warn  you 
none  evil  will  I  do.  Madam,  said  Sir  Palamides,  as  at  this 
time,  ye  shall  not  know  my  desire,  but  before  my  lord  your 
husband  there  shall  ye  know  that  I  will  have  my  desire  that 
ye  have  promised  me.  And  therewith  the  queen  departed, 
and  rode  home  to  the  king,  and  Sir  Palamides  rode  after  her. 


HOW   PALAMIDES   DEMANDED   ISOUD       149 

And  when  Sir  Palamides  came  before  the  king,  he  said: 
Sir  King,  I  require  you,  as  ye  be  a  righteous  king,  that  ye 
will  judge  me  the  right.  Tell  me  your  cause,  said  the  king, 
and  ye  shall  have  right.  Sir,  said  Palamides,  I  promised  your 
Queen  Isoud  to  bring  again  Dame  Bragwaine  that  she  had 
lost,  upon  this  covenant,  that  she  should  grant  me  a  boon  that 
I  would  ask,  and  without  grudging,  outher  advisement,  she 
granted  me.  What  say  ye,  my  lady  ?  said  the  king.  It  is  as 
he  saith,  said  the  queen  ;  to  say  thee  sooth  I  promised  him  his 
asking  for  love  and  joy  that  I  had  to  see  her.  Well,  Madam, 
said  the  king,  and  if  ye  were  hasty  to  grant  him  what  boon  he 
would  ask,  I  will  well  that  ye  perform  your  promise.  Then, 
said  Palamides,  I  will  that  ye  wit  that  I  will  have  your  queen 
to  lead  her  and  govern  her  whereas  me  list.  Therewith 
the  king  stood  still,  and  bethought  him  of  Sir  Tristram,  and 
deemed  that  he  would  rescue  her.  And  then  hastily  the 
king  answered :  Take  her  with  the  adventures  that  shall 
fall  of  it,  for  as  I  suppose  thou  wilt  not  enjoy  her  no  while. 
As  for  that,  said  Palamides,  I  dare  right  well  abide  the  adven- 
ture. And  so,  to  make  short  tale,  Sir  Palamides  took  her  by 
the  hand  and  said :  Madam,  grudge  not  to  go  with  me,  for 
I  desire  nothing  but  your  own  promise.  As  for  that,  said 
the  queen,  I  fear  not  greatly  to  go  with  thee,  howbeit  thou 
hast  me  at  advantage  upon  my  promise,  for  I  doubt  not  I 
shall  be  worshipfully  rescued  from  thee.  As  for  that,  said 
Sir  Palamides,  be  it  as  it  be  may.  So  Queen  Isoud  was  set 
behind  Palamides,  and  rode  his  way. 

Anon  the  king  sent  after  Sir  Tristram,  but  in  no  wise 
he  could  be  found,  for  he  was  in  the  forest  a-hunting;  for 
that  was  always  his  custom,  but  if  he  used  arms,  to  chase 
and  to  hunt  in  the  forests.  Alas,  said  the  king,  now  I  am 


ISO  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

shamed  for  ever,  that  by  mine  own  assent  my  lady  and  my 
queen  shall  be  devoured.  Then  came  forth  a  knight,  his 
name  was  Lambegus,  and  he  was  a  knight  of  Sir  Tristram. 
My  lord,  said  this  knight,  sith  ye  have  trust  in  my  lord, 
Sir  Tristram,  wit  ye  well  for  his  sake  I  will  ride  after  your 
queen  and  rescue  her,  or  else  I  shall  be  beaten.  Gramercy, 
said  the  king,  as  I  live,  Sir  Lambegus,  I  shall  deserve  it.  And 
then  Sir  Lambegus  armed  him,  and  rode  after  as  fast  as  he 
might.  And  then  within  a  while  he  overtook  Sir  Palamides. 
And  then  Sir  Palamides  left  the  queen.  What  art  thou,  said 
Palamides,  art  thou  Tristram  ?  Nay,  he  said,  I  am  his 
servant,  and  my  name  is  Sir  Lambegus.  That  me  repenteth, 
said  Palamides.  I  had  liefer  thou  hadst  been  Sir  Tristram. 
I  believe  you  well,  said  Lambegus,  but  when  thou  meetest 
with  Sir  Tristram  thou  shalt  have  thy  hands  full.  And  then 
they  hurtled  together  and  all  to-brast  their  spears,  and  then 
they  pulled  out  their  swords,  and  hewed  on  helms  and  hau- 
berks. At  the  last  Sir  Palamides  gave  Sir  Lambegus  such  a 
wound  that  he  fell  down  like  a  dead  knight  to  the  earth. 

Then  he  looked  after  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  then  she  was 
gone  he  nist  where.  Wit  ye  well  Sir  Palamides  was  never 
so  heavy.  So  the  queen  ran  into  the  forest,  and  there  she 
found  a  well,  and  therein  she  had  thought  to  have  drowned 
herself.  And  as  good  fortune  would,  there  came  a  knight 
to  her  that  had  a  castle  thereby,  his  name  was  Sir  Adtherp. 
And  when  he  found  the  queen  in  that  mischief  he  rescued 
her,  and  brought  her  to  his  castle.  And  when  he  wist  what 
she  was  he  armed  him,  and  took  his  horse,  and  said  he  would 
be  avenged  upon  Palamides ;  and  so  he  rode  on  till  he  met 
with  him,  and  there  Sir  Palamides  wounded  him  sore,  and 
by  force  he  made  him  to  tell  him  the  cause  why  he  did  battle 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   PALAMIDES        151 

with  him,  and  how  he  had  led  the  queen  unto  his  castle. 
Now  bring  me  there,  said  Palamides,  or  thou  shalt  die  of  my 
hands.  Sir,  said  Sir  Adtherp,  I  am  so  wounded  I  may  not 
follow,  but  ride  you  this  way  and  it  shall  bring  you  into  my 
castle,  and  there  within  is  the  queen.  Then  Sir  Palamides 
rode  still  till  he  came  to  the  castle.  And  at  a  window  La 
Beale  Isoud  saw  Sir  Palamides ;  then  she  made  the  gates  to 
be  shut  strongly.  And  when  he  saw  he  might  not  come  within 
the  castle,  he  put  off  his  bridle  and  his  saddle,  and  put  his 
horse  to  pasture,  and  set  himself  down  at  the  gate  like  a  man 
that  was  out  of  his  wit  that  recked  not  of  himself. 

Now  turn  we  unto  Sir  Tristram,  that  when  he  was  come 
home  and  wist  La  Beale  Isoud  was  gone  with  Sir  Palamides, 
wit  ye  well  he  was  wroth  out  of  measure.  Alas,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  I  am  this  day  shamed.  Then  he  cried  to  Gouver- 
nail  his  man :  Haste  thee  that  I  were  armed  and  on  horse- 
back, for  well  I  wot  Lambegus  hath  no  might  nor  strength 
to  withstand  Sir  Palamides :  alas  that  I  have  not  been  in 
his  stead  !  So  anon  as  he  was  armed  and  horsed  Sir  Tristram 
and  Gouvernail  rode  after  into  the  forest,  and  within  a  while 
he  found  his  knight  Lambegus  almost  wounded  to  the  death ; 
and  Sir  Tristram  bare  him  to  a  forester,  and  charged  him  to 
keep  him  well.  And  then  he  rode  forth,  and  there  he  found 
Sir  Adtherp  sore  wounded,  and  he  told  him  how  the  queen 
would  have  drowned  herself  had  he  not  been,  and  how  for 
her  sake  and  love  he  had  taken  upon  him  to  do  battle  with 
Sir  Palamides.  Where  is  my  lady  ?  said  Sir  Tristram.  Sir, 
said  the  knight,  she  is  sure  enough  within  my  castle,  an  she 
can  hold  her  within  it.  Gramercy,  said  Sir  Tristram,  of  thy 
great  goodness.  And  so  he  rode  till  he  came  nigh  to  that 
castle ;  and  then  Sir  Tristram  saw  where  Sir  Palamides  sat 


152  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

at  the  gate  sleeping,  and  his  horse  pastured  fast  afore  him. 
Now  go  thou,  Gouvernail,  said  Sir  Tristram,  and  bid  him 
awake,  and  make  him  ready.  So  Gouvernail  rode  unto  him 
and  said  :  Sir  Palamides,  arise,  and  take  to  thee  thine  harness. 
But  he  was  in  such  a  study  he  heard  not  what  Gouvernail 
said.  So  Gouvernail  came  again  and  told  Sir  Tristram  he 
slept,  or  else  he  was  mad.  Go  thou  again,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
and  bid  him  arise,  and  tell  him  that  I  am  here,  his  mortal 
foe.  So  Gouvernail  rode  again  and  put  upon  him  the  butt 
of  his  spear,  and  said :  Sir  Palamides,  make  thee  ready,  for 
wit  ye  well  Sir  Tristram  hoveth  yonder,  and  sendeth  thee 
word  he  is  thy  mortal  foe. 

And  therewithal  Sir  Palamides  arose  stilly,  without  words, 
and  gat  his  horse,  and  saddled  him  and  bridled  him,  and  lightly 
he  leapt  upon,  and  gat  his  spear  in  his  hand,  and  either  feutred 
their  spears  and  hurtled  fast  together;  and  there  Tristram 
smote  down  Sir  Palamides  over  his  horse's  tail.  Then  lightly 
Sir  Palamides  put  his  shield  afore  him  and  drew  his  sword. 
And  there  began  strong  battle  on  both  parts,  for  both  they 
fought  for  the  love  of  one  lady,  and  ever  she  lay  on  the  walls 
and  beheld  them  how  they  fought  out  of  measure,  and  either 
were  wounded  passing  sore,  but  Palamides  was  much  sorer 
wounded.  Thus  they  fought  tracing  and  traversing  more 
than  two  hours,  that  well-nigh  for  dole  and  sorrow  La  Beale 
Isoud  swooned.  Alas,  she  said,  that  one  I  loved  and  yet  do, 
and  the  other  I  love  not,  yet  it  were  great  pity  that  I  should 
see  Sir  Palamides  slain  ;  for  well  I  know  by  that  time  the  end 
be  done  Sir  Palamides  is  but  a  dead  knight :  because  he  is 
not  christened  I  would  be  loath  that  he  should  die  a  Saracen. 
And  therewithal  she  came  down  and  besought  Sir  Tristram 
to  fight  no  more.  Ah,  madam,  said  he,  what  mean  you, 


SIR  TRISTRAM  ACCUSED  AS  TRAITOR      153 

will  ye  have  me  shamed  ?  Well  ye  know  I  will  be  ruled 
by  you.  I  will  not  your  dishonour,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  but 
I  would  that  ye  would  for  my  sake  spare  this  unhappy  Saracen 
Palamides.  Madam,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  leave  fighting 
at  this  time  for  your  sake.  Then  she  said  to  Sir  Palamides : 
This  shall  be  your  charge,  that  thou  shalt  go  out  of  this 
country  while  I  am  therein.  I  will  obey  your  commandment, 
said  Sir  Palamides,  the  which  is  sore  against  my  will.  Then  take 
thy  way,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  unto  the  court  of  King  Arthur, 
and  there  recommend  me  unto  Queen  Guenever,  and  tell  her 
that  I  send  her  word  that  there  be  within  this  land  but  four 
lovers,  that  is,  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  and  Queen  Guenever, 
and  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones  and  Queen  Isoud. 

OF  THE  DEBATE  OF  KING  MARK  AND 
SIR  TRISTRAM,  AND  HOW  SIR  TRIS- 
TRAM SMOTE  DOWN  SIR  LAMORAK, 
AND  IN  DESPITE  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 
SIR  LAMORAK  SENT  AN  HORN  TO 
KING  MARK.  And  so  Sir  Palamides  de- 
parted with  great  heaviness.  And  Sir  Tristram 
took  the  queen  and  brought  her  again  to  King 
Mark,  and  then  was  there  made  great  joy  of 
her  home-coming.  Who  was  cherished  but  Sir  Tristram ! 
But  ever  Sir  Andred,  that  was  nigh  cousin  to  Sir  Tristram, 
lay  in  a  watch  to  wait  betwixt  Sir  Tristram  and  La  Beale 
Isoud,  for  to  take  them  and  slander  them.  So  upon  a  day  Sir 
Tristram  talked  with  La  Beale  Isoud  in  a  window,  and  that 
espied  Sir  Andred,  and  told  it  to  the  King.  Then  King 
Mark  took  a  sword  in  his  hand  and  came  to  Sir  Tristram, 
and  called  him  false  traitor,  and  would  have  stricken  him. 


154  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

But  Sir  Tristram  was  nigh  him,  and  ran  under  his  sword, 
and  took  it  out  of  his  hand.  And  then  the  King  cried  :  Where 
are  my  knights  and  my  men  ?  I  charge  you  slay  this  traitor. 
But  at  that  time  there  was  not  one  would  move  for  his 
words.  When  Sir  Tristram  saw.that  there  was  not  one  would 
be  against  him,  he  shook  the  sword  to  the  king,  and  made 
countenance  as  though  he  would  have  stricken  him.  And 
then  King  Mark  fled,  and  Sir  Tristram  followed  him,  and 
smote  upon  him  five  or  six  strokes  flatting  on  the  neck,  that 
he  made  him  to  fall  upon  the  nose.  And  then  Sir  Tristram 
went  his  way  and  armed  him,  and  took  his  horse  and  his 
man,  and  so  he  rode  into  that  forest. 

Then  King  Mark  called  his  council  unto  him,  and  asked 
advice  of  his  barons  what  was  best  to  do  with  Sir  Tristram. 
Sir,  said  the  barons,  in  especial  Sir  Dinas,  the  Seneschal, 
Sir,  we  will  give  you  counsel  for  to  send  for  Sir  Tristram, 
for  we  will  that  ye  wit  many  men  will  hold  with  Sir  Tris- 
tram an  he  were  hard  bestead.  And  sir,  said  Sir  Dinas,  ye 
shall  understand  that  Sir  Tristram  is  called  peerless  and 
makeless  of  any  Christian  knight,  and  of  his  might  and  hardi- 
ness we  knew  none  so  good  a  knight,  but  if  it  be  Sir  Launcelot 
du  Lake.  And  if  he  depart  from  your  court  and  go  to  King 
Arthur's  court,  wit  ye  well  he  will  get  him  such  friends  there 
that  he  will  not  set  by  your  malice.  And  therefore,  sir,  I 
counsel  you  to  take  him  to  your  grace.  I  will  well,  said  the 
king,  that  he  be  sent  for,  that  we  may  be  friends.  Then  the 
barons  sent  for  Sir  Tristram  under  a  safe  conduct.  And  so 
when  Sir  Tristram  came  to  the  king  he  was  welcome,  and  no 
rehearsal  was  made,  and  there  was  game  and  play.  And 
then  the  king  and  the  queen  went  a-hunting,  and  Sir 
Tristram. 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   SIR  LAMORAK     155 

The  king  and  the  queen  made  their  pavilions  and  their 
tents  in  that  forest  beside  a  river,  and  there  was  daily  hunting 
and  jousting,  for  there  were  ever  thirty  knights  ready  to 
joust  unto  all  them  that  came  in  at  that  time.  And  there 
by  fortune  came  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis  and  Sir  Driant ; 
and  there  Sir  Driant  jousted  right  well,  but  at  the  last  he 
had  a  fall.  Then  Sir  Lamorak  proffered  to  joust.  And 
when  he  began  he  fared  so  with  the  thirty  knights  that  there 
was  not  one  of  them  but  that  he  gave  him  a  fall,  and  some 
of  them  were  sore  hurt.  I  marvel,  said  King  Mark,  what 
knight  he  is  that  doth  such  deeds  of  arms.  Sir,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  I  know  him  well  for  a  noble  knight  as  few  now 
be  living,  and  his  name  is  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis.  It  were 
great  shame,  said  the  king,  that  he  should  go  thus  away, 
unless  that  some  of  you  meet  with  him  better.  Sir,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  meseemeth  it  were  no  worship  for  a  noble 
man  to  have  ado  with  him,  insomuch  as  he  and  his  horse  are 
weary  both ;  for  the  deeds  of  arms  that  he  hath  done  this 
day,  and  they  be  well  considered,  it  were  enough  for  Sir 
Launcelot  du  Lake.  As  for  that,  said  King  Mark,  I  require 
you,  as  ye  love  me  and  my  lady  the  queen,  La  Beale  Isoud, 
take  your  arms  and  joust  with  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis.  Sir, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  ye  bid  me  do  a  thing  that  is  against  knight- 
hood ;  but  because  I  will  not  displease  you,  as  ye  require 
me  so  will  I  do,  and  obey  your  commandment. 

And  so  Sir  Tristram  armed  him  and  took  his  horse,  and 
put  him  forth,  and  there  Sir  Lamorak  met  him  mightily,  and 
what  with  the  might  of  his  own  spear,  and  of  Sir  Tristram's 
spear,  Sir  Lamorak' s  horse  fell  to  the  earth,  and  he  sitting 
in  the  saddle.  Then  anon  as  lightly  as  he  might  he  avoided 
the  saddle  and  his  horse,  and  put  his  shield  afore  him  and 


i$6  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

drew  his  sword.  And  then  he  bade  Sir  Tristram :  Alight, 
thou  knight,  an  thou  durst.  Nay,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  no 
more  have  ado  with  thee,  for  I  have  done  to  thee  over  much 
unto  my  dishonour  and  to  thy  worship.  As  for  that,  said  Sir 
Lamorak,  I  can  thee  no  thank ;  since  thou  hast  for-jousted 
me  on  horseback  I  require  thee  and  I  beseech  thee,  an  thou  be 
Sir  Tristram,  fight  with  me  on  foot.  I  will  not  so,  said  Sir 
Tristram  ;  and  wit  ye  well  my  name  is  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones, 
and  well  I  know  ye  be  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis,  and  this  that  I 
have  done  to  you  was  against  my  will,  but  I  was  required  there- 
to ;  but  to  say  that  I  will  do  at  your  request  as  at  this  time, 
I  will  have  no  more  ado  with  you,  for  me  shameth  of  that  I 
have  done.  As  for  the  shame,  said  Sir  Lamorak,  on  thy  part 
or  on  mine,  bear  thou  it  an  thou  wilt,  for  though  a  mare's 
son  hath  failed  me,  now  a  queen's  son  shall  not  fail  thee ; 
and  therefore,  an  thou  be  such  a  knight  as  men  call  thee,  I 
require  thee,  alight,  and  fight  with  me.  Sir  Lamorak,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  I  understand  your  heart  is  great,  and  cause  why 
ye  have,  to  say  thee  sooth ;  for  it  would  grieve  me  an  any 
knight  should  keep  him  fresh  and  then  to  strike  down  a  weary 
knight,  for  that  knight  nor  horse  was  never  formed  that  alway 
might  stand  or  endure.  And  therefore,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
I  will  not  have  ado  with  you,  for  me  forthinketh  of  that  I 
have  done.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Lamorak,  I  shall  quit  you, 
an  ever  I  see  my  time.  So  he  departed  from  him  with  Sir 
Driant,  and  by  the  way  they  met  with  a  knight  that  was 
sent  from  Morgan  le  Fay  unto  King  Arthur ;  and  this  knight 
had  a  fair  horn  harnessed  with  gold,  and  the  horn  had  such  a 
virtue  that  there  might  no  lady  nor  gentlewoman  drink  of 
that  horn  but  if  she  were  true  to  her  husband,  and  if  she 
were  false  she  should  spill  all  the  drink,  and  if  she  were  true 


OF  SIR   LAMORAK  AND   KING  MARK        157 

to  her  lord  she  might  drink  peaceable.  And  because  of  the 
Queen  Guenever,  and  in  the  despite  of  Sir  Launcelot,  this 
horn  was  sent  unto  King  Arthur ;  and  by  force  Sir  Lamorak 
made  that  knight  to  tell  all  the  cause  why  he  bare  that  horn. 
Now  shalt  thou  bear  this  horn,  said  Lamorak,  unto  King 
Mark,  or  else  choose  thou  to  die  for  it ;  for  I  tell  thee  plainly, 
in  despite  and  reproof  of  Sir  Tristram  thou  shalt  bear  that  horn 
unto  King  Mark,  his  uncle,  and  say  thou  to  him  that  I  sent 
it  him  for  to  assay  his  lady,  and  if  she  be  true  to  him  he  shall 
prove  her.  So  the  knight  went  his  way  unto  King  Mark, 
and  brought  him  that  rich  horn,  and  said  that  Sir  Lamorak 
sent  it  him,  and  thereto  he  told  him  the  virtue  of  that  horn. 
Then  the  king  made  Queen  Isoud  to  drink  thereof,  and  an 
hundred  ladies,  and  there  were  but  four  ladies  of  all  those 
that  drank  clean.  Alas,  said  King  Mark,  this  is  a  great 
despite,  and  sware  a  great  oath  that  she  should  be  burnt  and 
the  other  ladies. 

Then  the  barons  gathered  them  together,  and  said  plainly 
they  would  not  have  those  ladies  burnt  for  an  horn  made  by 
sorcery,  that  came  from  as  false  a  sorceress  and  witch  as  then 
was  living.  For  that  horn  did  never  good,  but  caused  strife 
and  debate,  and  always  in  her  days  she  had  been  an  enemy 
to  all  true  lovers.  So  there  were  many  knights  made  their 
avow,  an  ever  they  met  with  Morgan  le  Fay,  that  they 
would  show  her  short  courtesy.  Also  Sir  Tristram  was  passing 
wroth  that  Sir  Lamorak  sent  that  horn  unto  King  Mark,  for 
well  he  knew  that  it  was  done  in  the  despite  of  him.  And 
therefore  he  thought  to  quite  Sir  Lamorak. 


158  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  WAS  TAKEN  WITH  LA 
BEALE  ISOUD,  AND  HOW  HE  ESCAPED  TO 
BRITTANY  AND  SERVED  IN  WAR  KING 
HOWEL.  Then,  always,  Sir  Tristram  used  to  go  to  Queen 
Isoud  when  he  might,  and  ever  Sir  Andred  his  cousin  watched 
him  night  and  day  for  to  take  him  with  La  Beale  Isoud.  And 
so  upon  a  day  Sir  Andred  espied  the  hour  and  the  time  when 
Sir  Tristram  went  to  his  lady.  Then  Sir  Andred  gat  unto 
him  twelve  knights,  and  he  set  upon  Sir  Tristram  secretly 
and  suddenly,  and  there  Sir  Tristram  was  taken  with  La  Beale 
Isoud,  and  then  was  he  bound  hand  and  foot,  and  so  was  he 
kept  until  the  next  day.  And  then  by  the  assent  of  King 
Mark,  and  of  Sir  Andred,  and  of  some  of  the  barons,  Sir 
Tristram  was  led  unto  a  chapel  that  stood  upon  the  sea  rocks, 
there  for  to  take  his  judgment :  and  so  he  was  led  bounden 
with  forty  knights.  And  when  Sir  Tristram  saw  that  there 
was  none  other  remedy  but  needs  that  he  must  die,  then  said 
he :  Fair  lords,  remember  what  I  have  done  for  the  country 
of  Cornwall,  and  in  what  jeopardy  I  have  been  in  for  the 
weal  of  you  all.  Fie  upon  thee,  said  Sir  Andred,  false  traitor 
that  thou  art,  with  thine  avaunting ;  for  all  thy  boast  thou 
shalt  die  this  day;  and  therewith  he  drew  his  sword,  and 
would  have  slain  him. 

When  Sir  Tristram  saw  him  make  such  countenance  he 
looked  upon  both  his  hands  that  were  fast  bounden  unto  two 
knights,  and  suddenly  he  pulled  them  both  to  him,  and  un- 
wrast  his  hands,  and  then  he  leapt  unto  his  cousin,  Sir  Andred, 
and  writhed  his  sword  out  of  his  hands ;  then  he  smote  Sir 
Andred  that  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  so  Sir  Tristram  fought 
till  that  he  had  killed  ten  knights.  So  then  Sir  Tristram  gat 
the  chapel  and  kept  it  mightily.  Then  the  cry  was  great, 


HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM   ESCAPED  159 

and  the  people  drew  fast  unto  Sir  Andred,  mo  than  an  hun- 
dred. When  Sir  Tristram  saw  the  people  draw  unto  him, 
he  brake  the  bars  of  a  window,  and  so  he  leapt  out  and  fell 
upon  the  crags  in  the  sea.  And  so  at  that  time  Sir  Andred 
nor  none  of  his  fellows  might  get  to  him,  at  that  time. 

So  when  Gouvernail,  and  Sir  Lambegus,  and  Sir  Sentraille 
de  Lushon,  that  were  Sir  Tristram's  men,  heard  he  was 
escaped  then  they  were  passing  glad ;  and  on  the  rocks 
they  found  him,  and  with  towels  they  pulled  him  up.  And 
then  Sir  Tristram  asked  them  where  was  La  Beale  Isoud,  for 
he  weened  she  had  been  had  away  of  Andred's  people.  Sir, 
said  Gouvernail,  she  is  put  in  a  lazar-cote.  Alas,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  this  is  a  full  ungoodly  place  for  such  a  fair  lady, 
and  if  I  may  she  shall  not  be  long  there.  And  so  he  took  his 
men  and  went  thereas  was  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  fetched  her 
away,  and  brought  her  into  a  forest  to  a  fair  manor,  and 
Sir  Tristram  there  abode  with  her.  So  the  good  knight 
bade  his  men  go  from  him :  For  at  this  time  I  may  not  help 
you.  So  they  departed  all  save  Gouvernail.  And  so  upon 
a  day  Sir  Tristram  went  into  the  forest  for  to  disport  him, 
and  then  it  happened  that  there  he  fell  asleep ;  and  there 
came  a  man  that  Sir  Tristram  aforehand  had  slain  his  brother, 
and  when  this  man  had  found  him  he  shot  him  through  the 
shoulder  with  an  arrow,  and  Sir  Tristram  leapt  up  and  killed 
that  man.  And  in  the  meantime  it  was  told  King  Mark 
how  Sir  Tristram  and  La  Beale  Isoud  were  in  that  same 
manor,  and  as  soon  as  ever  he  might  thither  he  came  with 
many  knights  to  slay  Sir  Tristram.  And  when  he  came  there 
he  found  him  gone ;  and  there  he  took  La  Beale  Isoud  home 
with  him,  and  kept  her  strait  that  by  no  means  never  she 
might  wit  nor  send  unto  Tristram,  nor  he  unto  her.  And  then 


160  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

when  Sir  Tristram  came  toward  the  old  manor  he  found  the 
track  of  many  horses,  and  thereby  he  wist  his  lady  was  gone. 
And  then  Sir  Tristram  took  great  sorrow,  and  endured  with 
great  pain  long  time,  for  the  arrow  that  he  was  hurt,  withal 
was  envenomed. 

Then  by  the  mean  of  La  Beale  Isoud  a  lady  that  was 
cousin  unto  Dame  Bragwaine,  came  to  Sir  Tristram,  and 
told  him  that  he  might  not  be  whole  by  no  means.  For 
thy  lady,  La  Beale  Isoud,  may  not  help  thee,  therefore 
she  biddeth  you  haste  into  Brittany  to  King  Howel,  and  there 
ye  shall  find  his  daughter,  Isoud  la  Blanche  Mains,  and  she 
shall  help  thee.  Then  Sir  Tristram  and  Gouvernail  gat 
them  shipping,  and  so  sailed  into  Brittany.  And  when 
King  Howel  wist  that  it  was  Sir  Tristram  he  was  full  glad 
of  him.  Sir,  he  said,  I  am  come  into  this  country  to  have 
help  of  your  daughter,  for  it  is  told  me  that  there  is  none  other 
may  heal  me  but  she  ;  and  so  within  a  while  she  healed  him. 

There  was  an  earl  that  hight  Grip,  and  this  earl  made 
great  war  upon  the  king,  and  put  the  king  to  the  worse, 
and  besieged  him.  And  on  a  time  Sir  Kehydius,  that  was  son 
to  King  Howel,  as  he  issued  out  he  was  sore  wounded,  nigh 
to  the  death.  Then  the  king  went  unto  Sir  Tristram,  and 
prayed  him  in  his  wars  to  help  him :  For  my  son,  Kehydius, 
may  not  go  into  the  field.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  go 
to  the  field  and  do  what  I  may.  Then  Sir  Tristram  issued 
out  of  the  town,  and  by  great  might  and  force  slew  the  Earl 
Grip  with  his  own  hands,  and  more  than  an  hundred  knights 
he  slew  that  day.  Then  King  Howel  embraced  him  in  his 
arms,  and  said :  Sir  Tristram,  all  my  kingdom  I  will  resign 
to  thee.  God  defend,  said  Sir  Tristram,  for  I  am  beholden 
unto  you  for  your  daughter's  sake  to  do  for  you. 


HOW  HE  RETURNED  TO  CORNWALL       161 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  WAS  MARRIED 
TO  KING  HOWEL'S  DAUGHTER, 
ISOUD  LA  BLANCHE  MAINS,  AND 
HOW  HE  RETURNED  TO  CORNWALL 
AND  OF  THE  LOVE  OF  SIR  KEHYDIUS 
FOR  LA  BEALE  ISOUD.  Then  by  [the 
means  of  King  Howel  and  Kehydius  his  son, 
there  grew  great  love  betwixt  Isoud  and  Sir 
Tristram,  for  that  lady  was  both  good  and  fair,  and  a  woman 
of  noble  blood  and  fame.  And  for  because  Sir  Tristram  had 
such  cheer  and  riches,  and  all  other  pleasaunce  that  he  had, 
almost  he  had  forsaken  La  Beale  Isoud.  And  so  upon  a 
time  Sir  Tristram  agreed  to  wed  Isoud  la  Blanche  Mains. 
And  at  the  last  they  were  wedded,  and  solemnly  held  their 
marriage. 

But  when  La  Beale  Isoud  understood  that  he  was  wedded 
she  sent  to  him  by  her  maiden  Bragwaine  as  piteous  letters 
as  could  be  thought  and  made,  and  her  conclusion  was  that, 
an  it  pleased  Sir  Tristram,  that  he  would  come  to  her  court, 
and  bring  with  him  Isoud  la  Blanche  Mains,  and  they  should 
be  kept  as  well  as  she  herself.  Then  Sir  Tristram  called 
unto  him  Sir  Kehydius,  and  asked  him  whether  he  would  go 
with  him  into  Cornwall  secretly.  He  answered  him  that 
he  was  ready  at  all  times.  And  then  he  let  ordain  privily  a 
little  vessel,  and  therein  they  went,  Sir  Tristram,  Kehydius, 
Dame  Bragwaine,  and  Gouvernail,  Sir  Tristram's  squire,  and 
so  they  sailed  into  Cornwall.  And  by  assent  and  information 
of  Dame  Bragwaine  when  they  were  landed  they  rode  unto 
Sir  Dinas,  the  Seneschal,  a  trusty  friend  of  Sir  Tristram's. 
And  so  Dame  Bragwaine  and  Sir  Dinas  rode  to  the  court 
of  King  Mark,  and  told  the  queen,  La  Beale  Isoud,  that  Sir 


162  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Tristram  was  nigh  her  in  that  country.  Then  for  very  pure 
joy  La  Beale  Isoud  swooned ;  and  when  she  might  speak 
she  said :  Gentle  knight  Seneschal,  help  that  I  might  speak 
with  him,  outher  my  heart  will  brast.  Then  Sir  Dinas  and 
Dame  Bragwaine  brought  Sir  Tristram  and  Kehydius  privily 
unto  the  court,  unto  a  chamber  whereas  La  Beale  Isoud  had 
assigned  it ;  and  to  tell  the  joy  that  was  betwixt  La  Beale 
Isoud  and  Sir  Tristram,  there  is  no  tongue  can  tell  it,  nor 
heart  think  it,  nor  pen  write  it.  And  as  the  French  book 
maketh  mention,  at  the  first  time  that  ever  Sir  Kehydius  saw 
La  Beale  Isoud  he  was  so  enamoured  upon  her  that  for  very 
pure  love  he  might  never  withdraw  it.  And  then  privily 
he  wrote  unto  her  letters  and  ballads  of  the  most  goodliest 
that  were  used  in  those  days.  And  when  La  Beale  Isoud 
understood  his  letters  she  had  pity  of  his  complaint,  and 
unavised  she  wrote  another  letter  to  comfort  him  withal. 

And  Sir  Tristram  was  all  this  while  in  a  turret  at  the 
commandment  of  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  when  she  might  she 
came  unto  Sir  Tristram.  So  on  a  day  King  Mark  played  at 
the  chess  under  a  chamber  window ;  and  at  that  time  Sir 
Tristram  and  Sir  Kehydius  were  within  the  chamber  over 
King  Mark,  and  as  it  mishapped  Sir  Tristram  found  the 
letter  that  Kehydius  sent  unto  La  Beale  Isoud,  also  he  had 
found  the  letter  that  she  wrote  unto  Kehydius,  and  at  that 
same  time  La  Beale  Isoud  was  in  the  same  chamber.  Then 
Sir  Tristram  came  unto  La  Beale  Isoud  and  said  :  Madam,  here 
is  a  letter  that  was  sent  unto  you,  and  here  is  the  letter  that  ye 
sent  unto  him  that  sent  you  that  letter.  Alas,  Madam,  the 
good  love  that  I  have  loved  you ;  and  many  lands  and  riches 
have  I  forsaken  for  your  love,  and  now  ye  are  a  traitress  to 
me,  the  which  doth  me  great  pain.  But  as  for  thee,  Sir 


SIR  TRISTRAM   DEPARTS   FROM  TINTAGIL    163 

Kehydius,  I  brought  thee  out  of  Brittany  into  this  country, 
and  thy  father,  King  Howel,  I  won  his  lands,  howbeit  I  wedded 
thy  sister  Isoud  la  Blanche  Mains  for  the  goodness  she  did 
unto  me ;  but  wit  thou  well,  Sir  Kehydius,  for  this  falsehood 
and  treason  thou  hast  done  me,  I  will  revenge  it  upon  thee. 
And  therewithal  Sir  Tristram  drew  out  his  sword  and  said : 
Sir  Kehydius,  keep  thee,  and  then  La  Beale  Isoud  swooned 
to  the  earth.  And  when  Sir  Kehydius  saw  Sir  Tristram  come 
upon  him  he  saw  none  other  remedy,  but  leapt  out  at  a 
bay-window  even  over  the  head  where  sat  King  Mark  playing 
at  the  chess.  And  when  the  king  saw  one  come  hurling 
over  his  head  he  said :  Fellow,  what  art  thou,  and  what  is 
the  cause  thou  leapest  out  at  that  window  ?  My  lord  the 
king,  said  Kehydius,  it  fortuned  me  that  I  was  asleep  in  the 
window  above  your  head,  and  as  I  slept  I  slumbered,  and  so 
I  fell  down.  And  thus  Sir  Kehydius  excused  him. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  DEPARTED  FROM 
TINTAGIL,  AND  HOW  HE  SORROWED  AND 
WAS  SO  LONG  IN  A  FOREST  TILL  HE  WAS 
OUT  OF  HIS  MIND,  AND  IT  WAS  NOISED  THAT  HE 
WAS  DEAD,  AND  HOW  LA  BEALE  ISOUD  WOULD 
HAVE  SLAIN  HERSELF.  Then  Sir  Tristram  dread  sore 
lest  he  were  discovered  unto  the  king  that  he  was  there  ;  where- 
fore he  drew  him  to  the  strength  of  the  Tower,  and  armed 
him  in  such  armour  as  he  had  for  to  fight  with  them  that 
would  withstand  him.  And  so  when  Sir  Tristram  saw  there 
was  no  resistance  against  him  he  sent  Gouvernail  for  his 
horse  and  his  spear,  and  knightly  he  rode  forth  out  of  the 
castle  openly,  that  was  called  the  Castle  of  Tintagil. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  made  great  sorrow,  and  upon  a  night 


i64  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

he  put  his  horse  from  him,  and  then  he  unlaced  his  armour, 
and  then  Sir  Tristram  would  go  into  the  wilderness,  and 
brast  down  the  trees  and  boughs.  Thus  he  there  endured 
a  quarter  of  a  year.  And  then  was  he  naked  and  waxed 
lean  and  poor  of  flesh ;  and  so  he  fell  in  the  fellowship  of 
herdmen  and  shepherds,  and  daily  they  would  give  him 
some  of  their  meat  and  drink.  And  when  he  did  any  shrewd 
deed  they  would  beat  him  with  rods,  and  so  they  clipped 
him  with  shears  and  made  him  like  a  fool. 

And  upon  a  day  Dagonet,  King  Arthur's  fool,  came  into 
Cornwall  with  two  squires  with  him ;  and  as  they  rode 
through  that  forest  they  came  by  a  fair  well  where  Sir  Tris- 
tram was  wont  to  be ;  and  the  weather  was  hot,  and  they 
alighted  to  drink  of  that  well,  and  in  the  meanwhile  their 
horses  brake  loose.  Right  so  Sir  Tristram  came  unto  them, 
and  first  he  soused  Sir  Dagonet  in  that  well,  and  after  his 
squires,  and  thereat  laughed  the  shepherds ;  and  forth- 
withal  he  ran  after  their  horses  and  brought  them  again 
one  by  one,  and  right  so,  wet  as  they  were,  he  made  them 
leap  up  and  ride  their  ways. 

Now  Sir  Dagonet  deemed  that  the  shepherds  had  sent  that 
fool  to  array  them  so,  because  that  they  laughed  at  them, 
and  so  they  rode  unto  the  keepers  of  beasts  and  all  to-beat 
them.  Sir  Tristram  saw  them  beat  that  were  wont  to  give 
him  meat  and  drink,  then  he  ran  thither  and  gat  Sir  Dagonet 
by  the  head,  and  gave  him  such  a  fall  to  the  earth  that  he 
bruised  him  sore  so  that  he  lay  still.  And  then  he  wrast 
his  sword  out  of  his  hand,  and  therewith  he  ran  to  one  of 
his  squires  and  smote  off  his  head,  and  the  other  fled.  And 
so  Sir  Tristram  took  his  way  with  that  sword  in  his  hand, 
running  as  he  had  been  wild  wood.  Then  Sir  Dagonet 


SIR  TRISTRAM  NOISED  TO  BE   DEAD       165 

rode  to  King  Mark  and  told  him  how  he  had  sped  in  that 
forest.  And  therefore,  said  Sir  Dagonet,  beware,  King 
Mark,  that  thou  come  not  about  that  well  in  the  forest,  for 
there  is  a  fool  naked,  and  that  fool  and  I  fool  met  together, 
and  he  had  almost  slain  me.  Ah,  said  King  Mark,  that  is 
Sir  Matto  le  Breune,  that  fell  out  of  his  wit  because  he  lost 
his  lady;  for  when  Sir  Gaheris  smote  down  Sir  Matto  and 
won  his  lady  of  him,  never  since  was  he  in  his  mind,  and  that 
was  pity,  for  he  was  a  good  knight. 

Then  Sir  Andred,  that  was  cousin  unto  Sir  Tristram, 
made  a  lady  that  was  his  paramour  to  say  and  to  noise  it 
that  she  was  with  Sir  Tristram  or  ever  he  died.  And  this 
tale  she  brought  unto  King  Mark's  court,  that  she  buried 
him  by  a  well,  and  that  or  he  died  he  besought  King  Mark  to 
make  his  cousin,  Sir  Andred,  king  of  the  country  of  Liones,  of 
the  which  Sir  Tristram  was  lord  of.  All  this  did  Sir  Andred 
because  he  would  have  had  Sir  Tristram's  lands.  And  when 
King  Mark  heard  tell  that  Sir  Tristram  was  dead  he  wept 
and  made  great  dole.  But  when  Queen  Isoud  heard  of  these 
tidings  she  made  such  sorrow  that  she  was  nigh  out  of  her 
mind  ;  and  so  upon  a  day  she  thought  to  sla}^  herself  and  never 
to  live  after  Sir  Tristram's  death.  And  so  upon  a  day  La 
Beale  Isoud  gat  a  sword  privily  and  bare  it  into  her  garden, 
and  there  she  pight  the  sword  through  a  plum  tree  up  to  the 
hilt,  so  that  it  stuck  fast,  and  it  stood  breast  high.  And  as 
she  would  have  run  upon  the  sword  and  to  have  slain  herself 
all  this  espied  King  Mark,  how  she  kneeled  down  and  said : 
Sweet  Lord  Jesu,  have  mercy  upon  me,  for  I  may  not  live 
after  the  death  of  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones,  for  he  was  my  first 
love  and  he  shall  be  the  last.  And  with  these  words  came 
King  Mark  and  took  her  in  his  arms,  and  then  he  took  up 


166  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

the  sword,  and  bare  her  away  with  him  into  a  tower ;  and 
there  he  made  her  to  be  kept,  and  watched  her  surely,  and 
after  that  she  lay  long  sick,  nigh  at  the  point  of  death. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  SLEW  THE  GIANT 
TAULEAS,  AND  HOW  KING  MARK  FOUND 
SIR  TRISTRAM  NAKED,  AND  CAUSED 
HIM  TO  BE  BORNE  TO  TINTAGIL,  AND  HOW  HE 
WAS  KNOWN  BY  A  BRACKET  AND  WAS  BANISHED 
FROM  CORNWALL  FOR  THE  TERM  OF  TEN  YEARS. 
This  meanwhile  ran  Sir  Tristram  naked  in  the  forest  with  the 
sword  in  his  hand,  and  so  he  came  to  an  hermitage,  and  there 
he  laid  him  down  and  slept ;  and  in  the  meanwhile  the  hermit 
stole  away  his  sword,  and  laid  meat  down  by  him.  Thus  was 
he  kept  there  a  ten  days ;  and  at  the  last  he  departed  and 
came  to  the  herdmen  again.  And  there  was  a  giant  in  that 
country  that  hight  Tauleas,  and  for  fear  of  Sir  Tristram  more 
than  seven  year  he  durst  never  much  go  at  large,  but  for  the 
most  part  he  kept  him  in  a  sure  castle  of  his  own ;  and  so  this 
Tauleas  heard  tell  that  Sir  Tristram  was  dead,  by  the  noise  of 
the  court  of  King  Mark.  Then  this  Tauleas  went  daily  at 
large.  And  so  he  happed  upon  a  day  he  came  to  the  herd- 
men  wandering  and  langering,  and  there  he  set  him  down  to 
rest  among  them.  The  meanwhile  there  came  a  knight  of 
Cornwall  that  led  a  lady  with  him,  and  his  name  was  Sir 
Dinant ;  and  when  the  giant  saw  him  he  went  from  the  herd- 
men  and  hid  him  under  a  tree,  and  so  the  knight  came  to 
that  well,  and  there  he  alighted  to  repose  him.  And  as  soon 
as  he  was  from  his  horse  this  giant  Tauleas  came  betwixt 
this  knight  and  his  horse,  and  took  the  horse  and  leapt  upon 
him.  So  forthwith  he  rode  unto  Sir  Dinant  and  took  him 


SIR  TRISTRAM   SLAYS  TAULEAS  167 

by  the  collar,  and  pulled  him  afore  him  upon  his  horse,  and 
there  would  have  stricken  off  his  head.  Then  the  herdmen 
said  unto  Sir  Tristram :  Help  yonder  knight.  Help  ye  him, 
said  Sir  Tristram.  We  dare  not,  said  the  herdmen.  Then 
Sir  Tristram  was  ware  of  the  sword  of  the  knight  thereas  it 
lay ;  and  so  thither  he  ran  and  took  up  the  sword  and  struck 
off  Sir  Tauleas'  head,  and  so  he  went  his  way  to  the  herdmen. 

Then  the  knight  took  up  the  giant's  head  and  bare  it 
with  him  unto  King  Mark,  and  told  him  what  adventure  be- 
tid him  in  the  forest ,  and  how  a  naked  man  rescued  him  from 
the  grimly  giant,  Tauleas.  Where  had  ye  this  adventure  ? 
said  King  Mark.  Forsooth,  said  Sir  Dinant,  at  the  fair  foun- 
tain in  your  forest  where  many  adventurous  knights  meet, 
and  there  is  the  mad  man.  Well,  said  King  Mark,  I  will 
see  that  wild  man.  So  within  a  day  or  two  King  Mark  com- 
manded his  knights  and  his  hunters  that  they  should  be  ready 
on  the  morn  for  to  hunt,  and  so  upon  the  morn  he  went  unto 
that  forest.  And  when  the  king  came  to  that  well  he  found 
there  lying  by  that  well  a  fair  naked  man,  and  a  sword  by 
him.  Then  King  Mark  blew  and  straked,  and  therewith  his 
knights  came  to  him  ;  and  then  the  king  commanded  his  knights 
to  :  Take  that  naked  man  with  fairness,  and  bring  him  to  my 
castle.  So  they  did  safely  and  fair,  and  cast  mantles  upon  Sir 
Tristram,  and  so  led  him  unto  Tintagil ;  and  there  they  bathed 
him,  and  washed  him,  and  gave  him  hot  suppings  till  they  had 
brought  him  well  to  his  remembrance  ;  but  all  this  while  there 
was  no  creature  that  knew  Sir  Tristram,  nor  what  man  he  was. 

So  it  fell  upon  a  day  that  the  queen,  La  Beale  Isoud, 
heard  of  such  a  man,  that  ran  naked  in  the  forest,  and  how 
the  king  had  brought  him  home  to  the  court.  Then  La 
Beale  Isoud  called  unto  her  Dame  Bragwaine  and  said : 


168  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Come  on  with  me,  for  we  will  go  see  this  man  that  my  lord 
brought  from  the  forest  the  last  day.  So  they  passed  forth, 
and  asked  where  was  the  sick  man.  And  then  a  squire  told 
the  queen  that  he  was  in  the  garden  taking  his  rest,  and 
reposing  him  against  the  sun. 

Then  the  queen  had  always  a  little  brachet  with  her 
that  Sir  Tristram  gave  her  the  first  time  that  ever  she  came 
into  Cornwall,  and  never  would  that  brachet  depart  from 
her  but  if  Sir  Tristram  was  nigh  thereas  was  La  Beale  Isoud ; 
and  this  brachet  was  sent  from  the  king's  daughter  of  France 
unto  Sir  Tristram  for  great  love.  And  anon  as  this  little 
brachet  felt  a  savour  of  Sir  Tristram,  she  leapt  upon  him 
and  licked  his  lears  and  his  ears,  and  then  she  whined  and 
quested,  and  she  smelled  at  his  feet  and  at  his  hands,  and 
on  all  parts  of  his  body  that  she  might  come  to.  Ah,  my 
lady,  said  Dame  Bragwaine  unto  La  Beale  Isoud.  Alas,  alas, 
said  she,  I  see  it  is  mine  own  lord,  Sir  Tristram.  And  there- 
upon Isoud  fell  down  in  a  swoon,  and  so  lay  a  great  while. 
And  when  she  might  speak  she  said :  My  lord  Sir  Tristram, 
blessed  be  God  ye  have  your  life,  and  now  I  am  sure  ye  shall 
be  discovered  by  this  little  brachet,  for  she  will  never  leave 
you.  And  also  I  am  sure  as  soon  as  my  lord,  King  Mark, 
do  know  you  he  will  banish  you  out  of  the  country  of  Corn- 
wall, or  else  he  will  destroy  you ;  for  God's  sake,  mine  own 
lord,  grant  King  Mark  his  will,  and  then  draw  you  unto  the 
court  of  King  Arthur,  for  there  are  ye  beloved,  and  ever  when 
I  may  I  shall  send  unto  you ;  and  when  ye  list  ye  may  come 
to  me,  and  at  all  times  early  and  late  I  will  be  at  your  com- 
mandment, to  live  as  poor  a  life  as  ever  did  queen  or  lady.  O 
Madam,  said  Sir  Tristram,  go  from  me,  for  mickle  anger  and 
danger  have  I  escaped  for  your  love. 


HOW  KING  MARK  FOUND  SIR  TRISTRAM     169 

Then  the  queen  departed,  but  the  brachet  would  not 
from  him ;  and  therewithal  came  King  Mark,  and  the  brachet 
set  upon  him,  and  bayed  at  them  all.  Therewithal  Sir  Andred 
spake  and  said  :  Sir,  this  is  Sir  Tristram,  I  see  by  the  brachet. 
Nay,  said  the  king,  I  cannot  suppose  that.  Then  the  king 
asked  him  upon  his  faith  what  he  was,  and  what  was  his 
name.  So  God  me  help,  said  he,  my  name  is  Sir  Tristram  de 
Liones ;  now  do  by  me  what  ye  list.  Ah,  said  King  Mark, 
me  repenteth  of  your  recovery.  And  then  he  let  call  his 
barons  to  judge  Sir  Tristram  to  the  death.  Then  many  of 
his  barons  would  not  assent  thereto,  and  in  especial  Sir  Dinas, 
the  Seneschal,  and  Sir  Fergus.  And  so  by  the  advice  of  them 
all  Sir  Tristram  was  banished  out  of  the  country  for  ten 
year,  and  thereupon  he  took  his  oath  upon  a  book  before  the 
king  and  his  barons.  And  so  he  was  made  to  depart  out  of 
the  country  of  Cornwall ;  and  there  were  many  barons  brought 
him  unto  his  ship,  of  the  which  some  were  his  friends  and  some 
his  foes.  And  in  the  meanwhile  there  came  a  knight  of  King 
Arthur's,  his  name  was  Dinadan,  and  his  coming  was  for  to 
seek  after  Sir  Tristram ;  then  they  showed  him  where  he  was 
armed  at  all  points  going  to  the  ship.  Now  fair  knight,  said 
Sir  Dinadan,  ere  ye  pass  this  court  that  ye  will  joust  with  me 
I  require  thee.  With  a  good  will,  said  Sir  Tristram,  an  these 
lords  will  give  me  leave  Then  the  barons  granted  thereto, 
and  so  they  ran  together,  and  there  Sir  Tristram  gave  Sir 
Dinadan  a  fall.  And  then  he  prayed  Sir  Tristram  to  give  him 
leave  to  go  in  his  fellowship.  Ye  shall  be  right  welcome,  said 
then  Sir  Tristram. 

And  so  they  took  their  horses  and  rode  to  their  ships  to- 
gether, and  when  Sir  Tristram  was  in  the  sea  he  said :  Greet 
well  King  Mark  and  all  mine  enemies,  and  say  them  I  will 


170  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

come  again  when  I  may ;  and  well  am  I  rewarded  for  the  fight- 
ing with  Sir  Marhaus,  and  delivered  all  this  country  from 
servage ;  and  well  am  I  rewarded  for  the  fetching  and  costs  of 
Queen  Isoud  out  of  Ireland,  and  the  danger  that  I  was  in  first 
and  last ;  and  well  am  I  rewarded  when  I  fought  with  Sir 
Blamore  de  Ganis  for  King  Anguish,  father  unto  La  Beale 
Isoud ;  and  well  am  I  rewarded  when  I  smote  down  the  good 
knight,  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis,  at  King  Mark's  request ;  and 
well  am  I  rewarded  for  the  slaying  of  Tauleas,  the  mighty  giant, 
and  many  other  deeds  have  I  done  for  him,  and  now  have  I 
my  warison.  And  tell  King  Mark  that  many  noble  knights 
of  the  Table  Round  have  spared  the  barons  of  this  country 
for  my  sake.  And  forthwithal  he  took  the  sea. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  SIR 
DINADAN  FOUGHT  FOR  SIR 
LAUNCELOT  AGAINST  THIRTY 
KNIGHTS,  AND  HOW  SIR  TRIS- 
TRAM RODE  TO  A  TOURNA- 
MENT AND  LODGED  WITH  AN 
OLD  KNIGHT  NAMED  SIR  PEL- 
LOUNES,  AND  OF  THE  JOUSTING  BEFORE  THE 
TOURNAMENT.  And  at  the  next  landing,  fast  by  the 
sea,  there  met  with  Sir  Tristram  and  with  Sir  Dinadan,  Sir 
Ector  de  Maris  and  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis ;  and  there  Sir  Ector 
jousted  with  Sir  Dinadan,  and  he  smote  him  and  his  horse 
down.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  would  have  jousted  with  Sir 
Bors,  and  Sir  Bors  said  that  he  would  not  joust  with  no  Cor- 
nish knights,  for  they  are  not  called  men  of  worship ;  and  all 
this  was  done  upon  a  bridge.  And  with  this  came  Sir  Bleo- 
beris  and  Sir  Driant,  and  Sir  Bleoberis  proffered  to  joust  with 


A  DAMOSEL  ASKS   FOR  TRISTRAM'S   HELP     171 

Sir  Tristram,  and  there  Sir  Tristram  smote  down  Sir  Bleo- 
beris.  Then  said  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis :  I  wist  never  Cornish 
knight  of  so  great  valour  nor  so  valiant  as  that  knight  that 
beareth  the  trappings  embroidered  with  crowns.  And  then 
Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Dinadan  departed  from  them  into  a 
forest,  and  there  met  them  a  damosel  that  came  for  the  love 
of  Sir  Launcelot  to  seek  after  some  noble  knights  of  King 
Arthur's  court  for  to  rescue  Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  Sir 
Launcelot  was  ordained  for,  by  the  treason  of  Queen  Morgan 
le  Fay  to  have  slain  Sir  Launcelot,  and  for  that  cause  she 
ordained  thirty  knights  to  lie  in  await  for  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
this  damosel  knew  this  treason.  And  for  this  cause  the  damo- 
sel came  for  to  seek  noble  knights  to  help  Sir  Launcelot.  For 
that  night,  or  the  day  after,  Sir  Launcelot  should  come  where 
these  thirty  knights  were.  And  so  this  damosel  met  with  Sir 
Bors  and  Sir  Ector  and  with  Sir  Driant,  and  there  she  told 
them  all  four  of  the  treason  of  Morgan  le  Fay ;  and  then  they 
promised  her  that  they  would  be  nigh  where  Sir  Launcelot 
should  meet  with  the  thirty  knights.  And  if  so  be  they  set 
upon  him  we  will  do  rescues  as  we  can. 

So  the  damosel  departed,  and  by  adventure  the  damosel 
met  with  Sir  Tristram  and  with  Sir  Dinadan,  and  there 
the  damosel  told  them  all  the  treason  that  was  ordained  for 
Sir  Launcelot.  Fair  damosel,  said  Sir  Tristram,  bring  me  to 
that  same  place  where  they  should  meet  with  Sir  Launcelot. 

So  then  anon  these  thirty  knights  came  fast  by  these 
four  knights,  and  they  were  ware  of  them,  and  either  of 
other.  And  so  these  thirty  knights  let  them  pass,  for  this 
cause,  that  they  would  not  wrath  them,  if  case  be  that  they 
had  ado  with  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  the  four  knights  let  them 
pass  to  this  intent,  that  they  would  see  and  behold  what  they 


172  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

would  do  with  Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  the  thirty  knights 
passed  on  and  came  by  Sir  Tristram  and  by  Sir  Dinadan,  and 
then  Sir  Tristram  cried  on  high :  Lo,  here  is  a  knight  against 
you  for  the  love  of  Sir  Launcelot.  And  there  he  slew  two  with 
one  spear  and  ten  with  his  sword.  And  then  came  in  Sir 
Dinadan  and  he  did  passing  well,  and  so  of  the  thirty  knights 
there  went  but  ten  away,  and  they  fled.  All  this  battle  saw 
Sir  Bors  de  Ganis  and  his  three  fellows,  and  then  they  saw 
well  it  was  the  same  knight  that  jousted  with  them  at  the 
bridge ;  then  they  took  their  horses  and  rode  unto  Sir 
Tristram,  and  praised  him  and  thanked  him  of  his  good 
deeds,  and  they  all  desired  Sir  Tristram  to  go  with  them  to 
their  lodging ;  and  he  said  :  Nay,  he  would  not  go  to  no  lodg- 
ing. Then  they  all  four  knights  prayed  him  to  tell  them  his 
name.  Fair  lords,  said  Sir  Tristram,  as  at  this  time  I  will 
not  tell  you  my  name. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Dinadan  rode  forth  their  way, 
and  came  to  a  lodging  two  mile  thence  with  a  good  man 
in  a  priory,  and  there  they  were  well  at  ease.  And  that 
same  night  Sir  Bors  and  Sir  Bleoberis,  and  Sir  Ector  and 
Sir  Driant,  abode  still  in  the  same  place  thereas  Sir  Tristram 
fought  with  the  thirty  knights ;  and  there  they  met  with 
Sir  Launcelot  the  same  night,  and  had  made  promise  to 
lodge  with  Sir  Colgrevance  the  same  night. 

But  anon  as  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  heard  of 
the  shield  of  Cornwall,  then  wist  he  well  that  it  was  Sir 
Tristram  that  fought  with  his  enemies.  And  then  Sir 
Launcelot  praised  Sir  Tristram,  and  called  him  the  man 
of  most  worship  in  the  world.  Then  Sir  Tristram  departed 
and  left  Sir  Dinadan  in  the  priory,  for  he  was  so  weary  and 
so  sore  bruised  that  he  might  not  ride.  And  on  the  next 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   SIR   PERSIDES      173 

day  following  Sir  Tristram  met  with  pursuivants,  and  they 
told  him  that  there  was  made  a  great  cry  of  tournament 
between  King  Carados  of  Scotland  and  the  King  of  North 
Wales,  and  either  should  joust  against  other  at  the  Castle 
of  Maidens ;  and  these  pursuivants  sought  all  the  country 
after  the  good  knights,  and  in  especial  King  Carados  let 
make  seeking  for  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  the  King  of 
Northgalis  let  seek  after  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones.  And  at 
that  time  Sir  Tristram  thought  to  be  at  that  jousts.  And 
then  Sir  Tristram  took  his  horse  and  sought  lodging,  and 
there  he  met  with  a  good  ancient  knight  and  prayed  him  to 
lodge  with  him.  So  this  old  knight's  name  was  Sir  Pellounes, 
and  he  told  of  the  great  tournament  that  should  be  at  the 
Castle  of  Maidens.  And  there  Sir  Launcelot  and  thirty- 
two  knights  of  his  blood  had  ordained  shields  of  Cornwall. 
And  right  so  there  came  one  unto  Sir  Pellounes,  and  told  him 
that  Sir  Persides  de  Bloise  was  come  home ;  then  that  knight 
held  up  his  hands  and  thanked  God  of  his  coming  home. 
And  there  Sir  Pellounes  told  Sir  Tristram  that  in  two  years 
he  had  not  seen  his  son,  Sir  Persides.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
I  know  your  son  well  enough  for  a  good  knight. 

So  on  a  time  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Persides  came  to  their 
lodging  both  at  once,  and  so  they  unarmed  them,  and  put 
upon  them  their  clothing.  And  then  these  two  knights  each 
welcomed  other.  And  when  Sir  Persides  understood  that  Sir 
Tristram  was  of  Cornwall,  he  said  he  was  once  in  Cornwall : 
And  there  I  jousted  afore  King  Mark ;  and  so  it  happed  me 
at  that  time  to  overthrow  ten  knights,  and  then  came  to  me 
Sir  Tristram  de  Liones  and  overthrew  me,  and  took  my 
lady  away  from  me,  and  that  shall  I  never  forget,  but  I  shall 
remember  me  an  ever  I  see  my  time.  Ah,  said  Sir  Tristram, 


174  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

now  I  understand  that  ye  hate  Sir  Tristram.  What  deem  ye, 
ween  ye  that  Sir  Tristram  is  not  able  to  withstand  your  malice  ? 
Yes,  said  Sir  Persides,  I  know  well  that  Sir  Tristram  is  a 
noble  knight  and  a  much  better  knight  than  I,  yet  shall  I  not 
owe  him  my  good  will.  Right  as  they  stood  thus  talking 
at  a  bay-window  of  that  castle,  they  saw  many  knights 
riding  to  and  fro  toward  the  tournament.  And  then  was 
Sir  Tristram  ware  of  a  likely  knight  riding  upon  a  great  black 
horse,  and  a  black-covered  shield.  What  knight  is  that,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  with  the  black  horse  and  the  black  shield  ?  he 
seemeth  a  good  knight.  I  know  him  well,  said  Sir  Persides, 
he  is  one  of  the  best  knights  of  the  world.  Then  is  it  Sir 
Launcelot,  said  Tristram.  Nay,  said  Sir  Persides,  it  is  Sir 
Palomides,  that  is  yet  unchristened. 

Then  they  saw  much  people  of  the  country  salute  Sir 
Palomides.  And  within  a  while  after  there  came  a  squire 
of  the  castle,  that  told  Sir  Pellounes  that  was  lord  of  that 
castle,  that  a  knight  with  a  black  shield  had  smitten  down 
thirteen  knights.  Fair  brother,  said  Sir  Tristram  unto 
Sir  Persides,  let  us  cast  upon  us  cloaks,  and  let  us  go  see 
the  play.  Not  so,  said  Sir  Persides,  we  will  not  go  like 
knaves  thither,  but  we  will  ride  like  men  and  good  knights 
to  withstand  our  enemies.  So  they  armed  them,  and  took 
their  horses  and  great  spears,  and  thither  they  went  thereas 
many  knights  assayed  themselves  before  the  tournament. 
And  anon  Sir  Palomides  saw  Sir  Persides,  and  then  he  sent 
a  squire  unto  him  and  said :  Go  thou  to  the  yonder  knight 
with  the  green  shield  and  therein  a  lion  of  gold,  and  say 
him  I  require  him  to  joust  with  me,  and  tell  him  that  my 
name  is  Sir  Palomides.  When  Sir  Persides  understood 
that  request  of  Sir  Palomides,  he  made  him  ready,  and  there 


HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM   HAD  A  FALL          175 

anon  they  met  together,  but  Sir  Persides  had  a  fall.  Then 
Sir  Tristram  dressed  him  to  be  revenged  upon  Sir  Palomides, 
and  that  saw  Sir  Palomides  that  was  ready  and  so  was  not 
Sir  Tristram,  and  took  him  at  an  advantage  and  smote  him 
over  his  horse's  tail  when  he  had  no  spear  in  his  rest.  Then 
stert  up  Sir  Tristram  and  took  his  horse  lightly,  and  was 
wroth  out  of  measure,  and  sore  ashamed  of  that  fall.  Then 
Sir  Tristram  sent  unto  Sir  Palomides  by  Gouvernail,  and 
prayed  him  to  joust  with  him  at  his  request.  Nay,  said 
Sir  Palomides,  as  at  this  time  I  will  not  joust  with  that 
knight,  for  I  know  him  better  than  he  weeneth.  And  if 
he  be  wroth  he  may  right  it  to-morn  at  the  Castle  of  Maidens, 
where  he  may  see  me  and  many  other  knights. 

With  that  came  Sir  Dinadan,  and  when  he  saw  Sir  Tris- 
tram wroth  he  list  not  to  jape.  Lo,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  here 
may  a  man  prove,  be  a  man  never  so  good  yet  may  he  have 
a  fall,  and  he  was  never  so  wise  but  he  might  be  overseen, 
and  he  rideth  well  that  never  fell.  So  Sir  Tristram  was  passing 
wroth,  and  said  to  Sir  Persides  and  to  Sir  Dinadan :  I  will 
revenge  me.  Right  so  as  they  stood  talking  there,  there 
came  by  Sir  Tristram  a  likely  knight  riding  passing  soberly 
and  heavily  with  a  black  shield.  What  knight  is  that  ?  said 
Sir  Tristram  unto  Sir  Persides.  I  know  him  well,  said  Sir 
Persides,  for  his  name  is  Sir  Briant  of  North  Wales ;  so  he 
passed  on  among  other  knights  of  North  Wales.  And  there 
came  in  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  with  a  shield  of  the  arms  of 
Cornwall,  and  he  sent  a  squire  unto  Sir  Briant,  and  required 
him  to  joust  with  him.  Well,  said  Sir  Briant,  sithen  I  am 
required  to  joust  I  will  do  what  I  may ;  and  there  Sir  Launcelot 
smote  down  Sir  Briant  from  his  horse  a  great  fall.  And  then 
Sir  Tristram  marvelled  what  knight  he  was  that  bare  the 


176  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

shield  of  Cornwall.  Whatsoever  he  be,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  I 
warrant  you  he  is  of  King  Ban's  blood,  the  which  be  knights 
of  the  most  noble  prowess  in  the  world,  for  to  account  so  many 
for  so  many.  Then  there  came  two  knights  of  Northgalis, 
that  one  hight  Hew  de  la  Montaine,  and  the  other  Sir  Madok 
de  la  Montaine,  and  they  challenged  Sir  Launcelot  foot-hot. 
Sir  Launcelot  not  refusing  them  but  made  him  ready,  with  one 
spear  he  smote  them  down  both  over  their  horses'  croups ; 
and  so  Sir  Launcelot  rode  his  way.  By  the  good  lord,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  he  is  a  good  knight  that  beareth  the  shield  of 
Cornwall,  and  meseemeth  he  rideth  in  the  best  manner  that 
ever  I  saw  knight  ride. 

Then  the  King  of  Northgalis  rode  unto  Sir  Palomides 
and  prayed  him  heartily  for  his  sake  to  joust  with  that  knight 
that  hath  done  us  of  Northgalis  despite.  Sir,  said  Sir  Palo- 
mides, I  am  full  loath  to  have  ado  with  that  knight,  and  cause 
why  is,  for  as  to-morn  the  great  tournament  shall  be;  and 
therefore  I  will  keep  myself  fresh  by  my  will.  Nay,  said  the 
King  of  Northgalis,  I  pray  you  require  him  of  jousts.  Sir, 
said  Sir  Palomides,  I  will  joust  at  your  request,  and  require 
that  knight  to  joust  with  me,  and  often  I  have  seen  a  man 
have  a  fall  at  his  own  request. 

HOW      SIR      LAUNCELOT      JOUSTED      WITH 
PALOMIDES  AND   OVERTHREW  HIM,   AND 
AFTER   HE  WAS  ASSAILED  WITH  TWELVE 
KNIGHTS.     Then  Sir  Palomides  sent  unto  Sir  Launcelot  a 
squire,   and   required   him  of  jousts.     Fair  fellow,   said   Sir 
Launcelot,  tell  me  thy  lord's  name.     Sir,  said  the  squire,  my 
lord's  name  is   Sir   Palomides,   the  good   knight.     In  good 
hour,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  there  is  no  knight  that  I  saw 


OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  PALOMIDES     177 

this  seven  years  that  I  had  liefer  have  ado  withal  than  with 
him.  And  so  either  knights  made  them  ready  with  two 
great  spears.  Nay,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  ye  shall  see  that  Sir 
Palomides  will  quit  him  right  well.  It  may  be  so,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  but  I  undertake  that  knight  with  the  shield  of 
Cornwall  shall  give  him  a  fall.  I  believe  it  not,  said  Sir 
Dinadan.  Right  so  they  spurred  their  horses  and  feutred 
their  spears,  and  either  hit  other,  and  Sir  Palomides  brake 
a  spear  upon  Sir  Launcelot,  and  he  sat  and  moved  not ; 
but  Sir  Launcelot  smote  him  so  lightly  that  he  made  his 
horse  to  avoid  the  saddle,  and  the  stroke  brake  his  shield 
and  the  hauberk,  and  had  he  not  fallen  he  had  been  slain. 
How  now,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  wist  well  by  the  manner  of 
their  riding  both  that  Sir  Palomides  should  have  a  fall. 

Right  so  Sir  Launcelot  rode  his  way,  and  rode  to  a  well 
to  drink  and  to  repose  him,  and  they  of  Northgalis  espied 
him  whither  he  rode;  and  then  there  followed  him  twelve 
knights  for  to  have  mischieved  him,  for  this  cause  that  upon 
the  morn  at  the  tournament  of  the  Castle  of  Maidens  that  he 
should  not  win  the  victory.  So  they  came  upon  Sir  Launcelot 
suddenly,  and  unnethe  he  might  put  upon  him  his  helm  and 
take  his  horse,  but  they  were  in  hands  with  him  ;  and  then  Sir 
Launcelot  gat  his  spear,  and  rode  through  them,  and  there  he 
slew  a  knight  and  brake  a  spear  in  his  body.  Then  he  drew 
his  sword  and  smote  upon  the  right  hand  and  upon  the  left 
hand,  so  that  within  a  few  strokes  he  had  slain  other  three 
knights,  and  the  remnant  that  abode  he  wounded  them  sore, 
all  that  did  abide.  Thus  Sir  Launcelot  escaped  from  his 
enemies  of  North  Wales,  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  rode  his  way 
to  a  friend,  and  lodged  him  till  on  the  morn  ;  for  he  would  not 
the  first  day  have  ado  in  the  tournament  because  of  his 


178  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

great  labour.  And  on  the  first  day  he  was  with  King  Arthur, 
there  as  he  was  set  on  high  upon  a  scaffold  to  discern  who  was 
best  worthy  of  his  deeds.  So  Sir  Launcelot  was  with  King 
Arthur,  and  jousted  not  the  first  day. 

OF  THE  TOURNAMENT  AT  THE 
CASTLE  OF  MAIDENS,  AND  OF  HOW 
SIR  TRISTRAM,  SIR  PALOMIDES, 
AND  SIR  LAUNCELOT  BEHAVED 
THEM.  Now  turn  we  unto  Sir  Tristram 
de  Liones,  that  commanded  Gouvernail,  his 
servant,  to  ordain  him  a  black  shield  with  none  other 
remembrance  therein.  And  so  Sir  Persides  and  Sir  Tris- 
tram departed  from  their  host  Sir  Pellounes,  and  they  rode 
early  toward  the  tournament,  and  then  they  drew  them 
to  King  Carados'  side,  of  Scotland ;  and  anon  knights  began 
the  field  what  of  King  Northgalis'  part,  and  what  of  King 
Carados'  part,  and  there  began  great  party.  Then  there  was 
hurling  and  rashing.  Right  so  came  in  Sir  Persides  and  Sir 
Tristram,  and  so  they  did  fare  that  they  put  the  King  of  North- 
galis aback.  Then  came  in  Sir  Bleoberis  de  Ganis  and  Sir 
Gaheris  with  them  of  Northgalis,  and  then  was  Sir  Persides 
smitten  down  and  almost  slain,  for  more  than  forty  horse- 
men went  over  him.  For  Sir  Bleoberis  did  great  deeds  of 
arms,  and  Sir  Gaheris  failed  him  not.  When  Sir  Tristram 
beheld  them,  and  saw  them  do  such  deeds  of  arms  he  marvelled 
what  they  were.  Also  Sir  Tristram  thought  shame  that 
Sir  Persides  was  so  done  to ;  and  then  he  gat  a  great  spear  in 
his  hand,  and  then  he  rode  to  Sir  Gaheris  and  smote  him  down 
from  his  horse.  And  then  was  Sir  Bleoberis  wroth,  and  gat 
a  spear  and  rode  against  Sir  Tristram  in  great  ire ;  and  there 


THE  TOURNEY  AT  MAIDENS  CASTLE        179 

Sir  Tristram  met  with  him,  and  smote  Sir  Bleoberis  from  his 
horse.  So  then  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights  was 
wroth,  and  he  horsed  Sir  Bleoberis  and  Sir  Gaheris  again, 
and  there  began  a  great  medley ;  and  ever  Sir  Tristram  held 
them  passing  short,  and  ever  Sir  Bleoberis  was  passing  busy 
upon  Sir  Tristram ;  and  there  came  Sir  Dinadan  against  Sir 
Tristram,  and  Sir  Tristram  gave  him  such  a  buffet  that  he 
swooned  in  his  saddle.  Then  anon  Sir  Dinadan  came  to  Sir 
Tristram  and  said  :  Sir,  I  know  thee  better  than  thou  weenest ; 
but  here  I  promise  thee  my  troth  I  will  never  come  against 
thee  more,  for  I  promise  thee  that  sword  of  thine  shall  never 
come  on  mine  helm. 

With  that  came  Sir  Bleoberis,  and  Sir  Tristram  gave 
him  such  a  buffet  that  down  he  laid  his  head  ;  and  then 
he  raught  him  so  sore  by  the  helm  that  he  pulled  him  under 
his  horse's  feet.  And  then  King  Arthur  blew  to  lodging. 
Then  Sir  Tristram  departed  to  his  pavilion,  and  Sir  Dinadan 
rode  with  him;  and  Sir  Persides  and  King  Arthur  then, 
and  the  kings  upon  both  parties,  marvelled  what  knight 
that  was  with  the  black  shield.  Many  said  their  advice, 
and  some  knew  him  for  Sir  Tristram,  and  held  their  peace 
and  would  nought  say.  So  that  first  day  King  Arthur, 
and  all  the  kings  and  lords  that  were  judges,  gave  Sir  Tris- 
tram the  prize ;  howbeit  they  knew  him  not,  but  named 
him  the  Knight  with  the  Black  Shield. 

Then  upon  the  morn  Sir  Palomides  returned  from  the 
King  of  Northgalis,  and  rode  to  King  Arthur's  side,  where 
was  King  Carados,  and  the  King  of  Ireland,  and  Sir  Launce- 
lot's  kin,  and  Sir  Gawaine's  kin.  Then  will  I  be  with  the 
King  of  Northgalis,  said  Sir  Tristram,  because  Sir  Palomides 
will  be  on  King  Arthur's  side,  and  else  I  would  not  but  for 


i8o  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

his  sake.  So  when  King  Arthur  was  come  they  blew  unto 
the  field ;  and  then  there  began  a  great  party,  and  so  King 
Carados  jousted  with  the  King  of  the  Hundred  Knights, 
and  there  King  Carados  had  a  fall :  then  was  there  hurling 
and  rashing,  and  right  so  came  in  knights  of  King  Arthur's, 
and  they  bare  aback  the  King  of  Northgalis'  knights. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  came  in,  and  began  so  roughly  and  so 
bigly  that  there  was  none  might  withstand  him,  and  thus 
Sir  Tristram  dured  long.  And  at  the  last  Sir  Tristram  fell 
among  the  fellowship  of  King  Ban,  and  there  fell  upon  him 
Sir  Bors  de  Ganis,  and  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  and  Sir  Blamore 
de  Ganis,  and  many  other  knights.  And  then  Sir  Tristram 
smote  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  hand,  that  all  lords 
and  ladies  spake  of  his  noble  deeds.  But  at  the  last  Sir  Tris- 
tram should  have  had  the  worse  had  not  the  King  with  the 
Hundred  Knights  been.  And  then  he  came  with  his  fellow- 
ship and  rescued  Sir  Tristram,  and  brought  him  away  from 
those  knights  that  bare  the  shields  of  Cornwall.  And  then 
Sir  Tristram  saw  another  fellowship  by  themselves,  and  there 
were  a  forty  knights  together,  and  Sir  Kay,  the  Seneschal, 
was  their  governor.  Then  Sir  Tristram  rode  in  amongst  them, 
and  there  he  smote  down  Sir  Kay  from  his  horse ;  and  there 
he  fared  among  those  knights  like  a  greyhound  among  conies. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  found  a  knight  that  was  sore  wounded 
upon  the  head.  Sir,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  who  wounded  you 
so  sore  ?  Sir,  he  said,  a  knight  that  beareth  a  black  shield, 
and  I  may  curse  the  time  that  ever  I  met  with  him,  for  he  is 
a  devil  and  no  man.  So  Sir  Launcelot  departed  from  him 
and  thought  to  meet  with  Sir  Tristram,  and  so  he  rode  with 
his  sword  drawn  in  his  hand  to  seek  Sir  Tristram ;  and  then 
he  espied  him  how  he  hurled  here  and  there,  and  at  every 


TRISTRAM  HELPS  LAUNCELOT'S   KIN       181 

stroke  Sir  Tristram  well-nigh  smote  down  a  knight.  O  mercy  ! 
said  the  king,  sith  the  times  I  bare  arms  saw  I  never  no 
knight  do  so  marvellous  deeds  of  arms.  And  if  I  should  set 
upon  this  knight,  said  Sir  Launcelot  to  himself,  I  did  shame  to 
myself,  and  therewithal  Sir  Launcelot  put  up  his  sword.  And 
then  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights  and  an  hundred 
more  of  North  Wales  set  upon  the  twenty  of  Sir  Launcelot's 
kin :  and  they  twenty  knights  held  them  ever  together  as 
wild  swine,  and  none  would  fail  other.  And  so  when  Sir 
Tristram  beheld  the  noblesse  of  these  twenty  knights  he  mar- 
velled of  their  good  deeds,  for  he  saw  by  their  fare  and  by 
their  rule  that  they  had  liefer  die  than  avoid  the  field.  Now 
truly,  said  Sir  Tristram,  well  may  he  be  valiant  and  full  of 
prowess  that  hath  such  a  sort  of  noble  knights  unto  his  kin, 
and  full  like  is  he  to  be  a  noble  man  that  is  their  leader  and 
governor.  He  meant  it  by  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  So  when 
Sir  Tristram  had  beholden  them  long  he  thought  shame  to 
see  two  hundred  knights  battering  upon  twenty  knights. 
Then  Sir  Tristram  rode  unto  the  King  with  the  Hundred 
Knights  and  said  :  Sir,  leave  your  fighting  with  those  twenty 
knights,  for  ye  win  no  worship  of  them,  ye  be  so  many  and  they 
so  few ;  and  wit  ye  well  they  will  not  out  of  the  field  I  see  by 
their  cheer  and  countenance ;  and  worship  get  ye  none  an  ye 
slay  them.  Therefore  leave  your  fighting  with  them,  for  I, 
to  increase  my  worship,  I  will  ride  to  the  twenty  knights  and 
help  them  with  all  my  might  and  power.  Nay,  said  the  King 
with  the  Hundred  Knights,  ye  shall  not  do  so  ;  now  I  see  your 
courage  and  courtesy  I  will  withdraw  my  knights  for  your 
pleasure,  for  evermore  a  good  knight  will  favour  another, 
and  like  will  draw  to  like. 

Then   the    King   with   the   Hundred    Knights   withdrew 


182  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

his  knights.  And  all  this  while,  and  long  to-fore,  Sir  Launce- 
lot  had  watched  upon  Sir  Tristram  with  a  very  purpose  to 
have  fellowshipped  with  him.  And  then  suddenly  Sir  Tris- 
tram, Sir  Dinadan,  and  Gouvernail,  his  man,  rode  their  way 
into  the  forest,  that  no  man  perceived  where  they  went. 
So  then  King  Arthur  blew  unto  lodging,  and  gave  the  King 
of  Northgalis  the  prize  because  Sir  Tristram  was  upon  his  side. 
And  upon  the  morn  the  king  blew  unto  the  tournament  upon 
the  third  day. 

So  the  King  of  Northgalis  and  the  King  with  the  Hundred 
Knights,  they  two  encountered  with  King  Carados  and  with 
the  King  of  Ireland ;  and  there  the  King  with  the  Hundred 
Knights  smote  down  King  Carados,  and  the  King  of  North- 
galis smote  down  the  King  of  Ireland.  With  that  came  in 
Sir  Palomides,  and  when  he  came  he  made  great  work,  for  by 
his  indented  shield  he  was  well  known.  So  came  in  King 
Arthur,  and  did  great  deeds  of  arms  together,  and  put  the 
King  of  Northgalis  and  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights 
to  the  worse.  With  this  came  in  Sir  Tristram  with  his  black 
shield,  and  anon  he  jousted  with  Sir  Palomides,  and  there  by 
fine  force  Sir  Tristram  smote  Sir  Palomides  over  his  horse's 
croup.  Then  King  Arthur  cried :  Knight  with  the  Black 
Shield,  make  thee  ready  to  me,  and  in  the  same  wise  Sir  Tris- 
tram smote  King  Arthur.  And  then  by  force  of  King  Arthur's 
knights  the  King  and  Sir  Palomides  were  horsed  again.  Then 
King  Arthur  with  a  great  eager  heart  he  gat  a  spear  in  his 
hand,  and  there  upon  the  one  side  he  smote  Sir  Tristram 
over  his  horse.  Then  foot-hot  Sir  Palomides  came  upon  Sir 
Tristram,  as  he  was  upon  foot,  to  have  overridden  him. 
Then  Sir  Tristram  was  ware  of  him,  and  there  he  stooped 
aside,  and  with  great  ire  he  gat  him  by  the  arm,  and  pulled 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   KING  ARTHUR     183 

him  down  from  his  horse.  Then  Sir  Palomides  lightly 
arose,  and  then  they  dashed  together  mightily  with  their 
swords ;  and  many  kings,  queens,  and  lords  stood  and 
beheld  them.  And  at  the  last  Sir  Tristram  smote  Sir  Palo- 
mides upon  the  helm  three  mighty  strokes,  and  at  every  stroke 
that  he  gave  him  he  said  :  This  for  Sir  Tristram's  sake.  With 
that  Sir  Palomides  fell  to  the  earth  grovelling. 

Then  came  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights,  and 
brought  Sir  Tristram  an  horse,  and  so  was  he  horsed  again. 
By  then  was  Sir  Palomides  horsed,  and  with  great  ire  he 
jousted  upon  Sir  Tristram  with  his  spear  as  it  was  in  the 
rest,  and  gave  him  a  great  dash  with  his  sword.  Then  Sir 
Tristram  avoided  his  spear,  and  gat  him  by  the  neck  with 
his  both  hands,  and  pulled  him  clean  out  of  his  saddle,  and 
so  he  bare  him  afore  him  the  length  of  ten  spears,  and  then 
in  the  presence  of  them  all  he  let  him  fall  at  his  adventure. 
Then  Sir  Tristram  was  ware  of  King  Arthur  with  a  naked 
sword  in  his  hand,  and  with  his  spear  Sir  Tristram  ran  upon 
King  Arthur ;  and  then  King  Arthur  boldly  abode  him  and 
with  his  sword  he  smote  a-two  his  spear,  and  therewithal  Sir 
Tristram  stonied  ;  and  so  King  Arthur  gave  him  three  or  four 
strokes  or  he  might  get  out  his  sword,  and  at  the  last  Sir 
Tristram  drew  his  sword  and  either  assailed  other  passing 
hard.  With  that  the  great  press  departed  them.  Then  Sir 
Tristram  rode  here  and  there  and  did  his  great  pain,  that 
eleven  of  the  good  knights  of  the  blood  of  King  Ban,  that  was 
of  Sir  Launcelot's  kin,  that  day  Sir  Tristram  smote  down, 
that  all  the  estates  marvelled  of  his  great  deeds  and  all 
cried  upon  the  Knight  with  the  Black  Shield. 

Then  this  cry  was  so  large  that  Sir  Launcelot  heard  it. 
And  then  he  gat  a  great  spear  in  his  hand  and  came  towards 


i84  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

the  cry.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  cried :  The  Knight  with  the 
Black  Shield,  make  thee  ready  to  joust  with  me.  When 
Sir  Tristram  heard  him  say  so  he  gat  his  spear  in  his  hand, 
and  either  abashed  down  their  heads,  and  came  together 
as  thunder;  and  Sir  Tristram's  spear  brake  in  pieces,  and 
Sir  Launcelot  by  malfortune  struck  Sir  Tristram  on  the  side 
a  deep  wound  nigh  to  the  death  ;  but  yet  Sir  Tristram  avoided 
not  his  saddle,  and  so  the  spear  brake.  Therewithal  Sir 
Tristram  that  was  wounded  gat  out  his  sword,  and  he  rushed 
to  Sir  Launcelot,  and  gave  him  three  great  strokes  upon  the 
helm  that  the  fire  sprang  thereout,  and  Sir  Launcelot  abashed 
his  head  lowly  toward  his  saddle-bow.  And  therewithal  Sir 
Tristram  departed  from  the  field,  for  he  felt  him  so  wounded 
that  he  weened  he  should  have  died ;  and  Sir  Dinadan  espied 
him  and  followed  him  into  the  forest.  Then  Sir  Launcelot 
abode  and  did  many  marvellous  deeds. 

So  when  Sir  Tristram  was  departed  by  the  forest's  side 
he  alighted,  and  unlaced  his  harness  and  freshed  his  wound ; 
then  weened  Sir  Dinadan  that  he  should  have  died.  Nay, 
nay,  said  Sir  Tristram,  Dinadan  never  dread  thee,  for  I 
am  heart-whole,  and  of  this  wound  I  shall  soon  be  whole, 
by  the  mercy  of  God.  By  that  Sir  Dinadan  was  ware  where 
came  Palomides  riding  straight  upon  them.  And  then  Sir 
Tristram  was  ware  that  Sir  Palomides  came  to  have  destroyed 
him.  And  so  Sir  Dinadan  gave  him  warning,  and  said :  Sir 
Tristram,  my  lord,  ye  are  so  sore  wounded  that  ye  may  not 
have  ado  with  him,  therefore  I  will  ride  against  him  and  do 
to  him  what  I  may,  and  if  I  be  slain  ye  may  pray  for  my 
soul ;  and  in  the  meanwhile  ye  may  withdraw  you  and  go 
into  the  castle,  or  in  the  forest,  that  he  shall  not  meet  with 
you.  Sir  Tristram  smiled  and  said  :  I  thank  you,  Sir  Dina- 


HOW  TRISTRAM   SMOTE   PALOMIDES        185 

dan,  of  your  good  will,  but  ye  shall  wit  that  I  am  able  to 
handle  him.  And  then  anon  hastily  he  armed  him,  and  took 
his  horse,  and  a  great  spear  in  his  hand,  and  said  to  Sir  Dina- 
dan :  Adieu ;  and  rode  toward  Sir  Palomides  a  soft  pace. 
Then  when  Sir  Palomides  saw  that,  he  made  countenance  to 
amend  his  horse,  but  he  did  it  for  this  cause,  for  he  abode 
Sir  Gaheris  that  came  after  him.  And  when  he  was  come 
he  rode  toward  Sir  Tristram.  Then  Sir  Tristram  sent  unto 
Sir  Palomides,  and  required  him  to  joust  with  him  ;  and  if  he 
smote  down  Sir  Palomides  he  would  do  no  more  to  him ;  and 
if  it  so  happened  that  Sir  Palomides  smote  down  Sir  Tristram, 
he  bade  him  do  his  utterance.  So  they  were  accorded.  Then 
they  met  together,  and  Sir  Tristram  smote  down  Sir  Palomides 
that  he  had  a  grievous  fall,  so  that  he  lay  still  as  he  had  been 
dead.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  ran  upon  Sir  Gaheris,  and  he 
would  not  have  jousted ;  but  whether  he  would  or  not  Sir 
Tristram  smote  him  over  his  horse's  croup,  that  he  lay  still  as 
though  he  had  been  dead.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  rode  his 
way  and  left  Sir  Persides'  squire  within  the  pavilions,  and  Sir 
Tristram  and  Sir  Dinadan  rode  to  an  old  knight's  place  to 
lodge  them.  And  that  old  knight  had  five  sons  at  the  tourna- 
ment, for  whom  he  prayed  God  heartily  for  their  coming  home. 
And  when  Sir  Tristram  departed  into  the  forest  Sir 
Launcelot  held  alway  the  stour  like  hard,  as  a  man  araged 
that  took  no  heed  to  himself,  and  wit  ye  well  there  was 
many  a  noble  knight  against  him.  And  when  King  Arthur 
saw  Sir  Launcelot  do  so  marvellous  deeds  of  arms  he  then 
armed  him,  and  took  his  horse  and  his  armour,  and  rode 
into  the  field  to  help  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  so  many  knights 
came  in  with  King  Arthur.  And  to  make  short  tale  in 
conclusion,  the  King  of  Northgalis  and  the  King  of  the  Hun- 


186  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

dred  Knights  were  put  to  the  worse  ;  and  because  Sir  Launce- 
lot  abode  and  was  the  last  in  the  field  the  prize  was  given 
him.  But  Sir  Launcelot  would  neither  for  king,  queen,  nor 
knight,  have  the  prize,  but  where  the  cry  was  cried  through 
the  field :  Sir  Launcelot,  Sir  Launcelot  hath  won  the  field 
this  day,  Sir  Launcelot  let  make  another  cry  contrary:  Sir 
Tristram  hath  won  the  field,  for  he  began  first,  and  last  he 
hath  endured,  and  so  hath  he  done  the  first  day,  the  second, 
and  the  third  day. 

Then  all  the  estates  and  degrees  high  and  low  said  of  Sir 
Launcelot  great  worship,  for  the  honour  that  he  did  unto  Sir 
Tristram ;  and  for  that  honour  doing  to  Sir  Tristram  he  was 
at  that  time  more  praised  and  renowned  than  an  he  had  over- 
thrown five  hundred  knights ;  and  all  the  people  wholly  for 
this  gentleness,  first  the  estates  both  high  and  low,  and  after 
the  commonalty  cried  at  once :  Sir  Launcelot  hath  won  the 
field,  whosoever  say  nay.  Then  was  Sir  Launcelot  wroth  and 
ashamed,  and  so  therewithal  he  rode  to  King  Arthur.  Alas, 
said  the  king,  we  are  all  dismayed  that  Sir  Tristram  is  thus 
departed  from  us.  He  is  one  of  the  noblest  knights  that 
ever  I  saw  hold  spear  or  sword  in  hand,  and  the  most  cour- 
teoust  knight  in  his  fighting.  Then  King  Arthur,  Sir  Launce- 
lot, and  Sir  Dodinas  le  Savage  took  their  horses  to  seek  Sir 
Tristram,  and  Sir  Persides  had  told  King  Arthur  where  Sir 
Tristram  was  in  his  pavilion.  But  when  they  came  there, 
Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Dinadan  were  gone. 

Then  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Launcelot  were  heavy,  and 
returned  again  to  the  Castle  of  Maidens  making  great  dole 
for  the  hurt  of  Sir  Tristram,  and  his  sudden  departing. 


OF  THE  RAGE  OF  SIR   PALOMIDES 


187 


OF  THE  RAGE  OF  SIR  PALO- 
MIDES FOR  DESPITE  OF  SIR 
TRISTRAM,  AND  HOW  SIR  TRIS- 
TRAM, SIR  DINADAN,  AND  SIR 
PALOMIDES  LODGED  WITH  SIR 
DARRAS,  AND  HOW  SIR  DAR- 
RAS  PUT  THEM  IN  HIS  PRISON 
FOR  THE  DEATH  OF  HIS  SONS, 
BUT  AT  THE  LAST  HE  LET 
THEM  GO.  And  thus  we  let  pass  King  Arthur,  and  a  little 
we  will  turn  unto  Sir  Palomides,  that  after  he  had  a  fall  of 
Sir  Tristram,  he  was  nigh-hand  araged  out  of  his  wit  for 
despite  of  Sir  Tristram.  And  so  he  followed  him  by  adven- 
ture. And  as  he  came  by  a  river,  in  his  woodness  he  would 
have  made  his  horse  to  have  leapt  over ;  and  the  horse  failed 
footing  and  fell  in  the  river,  wherefore  Sir  Palomides  was 
adread  lest  he  should  have  been  drowned ;  and  then  he 
avoided  his  horse,  and  swam  to  the  land,  and  let  his  horse 
go  down  by  adventure. 

And  when  he  came  to  the  land  he  took  off  his  harness, 
and  sat  roaring  and  crying  as  a  man  out  of  his  mind.  Right 
so  came  a  damosel  even  by  Sir  Palomides,  that  was  sent 
from  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  brother  unto  Sir  Mordred,  that 
lay  sick  in  the  same  place  with  that  old  knight  where  Sir 
Tristram  was.  For,  as  the  French  book  saith,  Sir  Persides 
hurt  so  Sir  Mordred  a  ten  days  afore ;  and  had  it  not  been 
for  the  love  of  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  brother,  Sir  Persides 
had  slain  Sir  Mordred.  And  so  this  damosel  came  by  Sir 
Palomides,  and  she  and  he  had  language  together,  the  which 
pleased  neither  of  them ;  and  so  the  damosel  rode  her  ways 
till  she  came  to  the  old  knight's  place,  and  there  she  told  that 


188  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

old  knight  how  she  met  with  the  woodest  knight  by  adven- 
ture that  ever  she  met  withal.  What  bare  he  in  his  shield  ? 
said  Sir  Tristram.  It  was  indented  with  white  and  black, 
said  the  damosel.  Ah,  said  Sir  Tristram,  that  was  Sir  Palo- 
mides,  the  good  knight.  For  well  I  know  him,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  for  one  of  the  best  knights  living  in  this  realm. 
Then  that  old  knight  took  a  little  hackney,  and  rode  for  Sir 
Palomides,  and  brought  him  unto  his  own  manor ;  and  full 
well  knew  Sir  Tristram  Sir  Palomides,  but  he  said  but  little, 
for  at  that  time  Sir  Tristram  was  walking  upon  his  feet,  and 
well  amended  of  his  hurts ;  and  always  when  Sir  Palomides 
saw  Sir  Tristram  he  would  behold  him  full  marvellously,  and 
ever  him  seemed  that  he  had  seen  him.  Then  would  he  say 
unto  Sir  Dinadan :  An  ever  I  may  meet  with  Sir  Tristram 
he  shall  not  escape  mine  hands.  I  marvel,  said  Sir  Dinadan, 
that  ye  boast  behind  Sir  Tristram,  for  it  is  but  late  that  he 
was  in  your  hands,  and  ye  in  his  hands;  why  would  ye  not 
hold  him  when  ye  had  him  ?  for  I  saw  myself  twice  or  thrice 
that  ye  gat  but  little  worship  of  Sir  Tristram.  Then  was 
Sir  Palomides  ashamed. 

And  then  there  came  a  damosel  that  told  Sir  Darras 
that  three  of  his  sons  were  slain  at  that  tournament,  and 
two  grievously  wounded  that  they  were  never  like  to  help 
themself.  And  all  this  was  done  by  a  noble  knight  that 
bare  the  black  shield,  and  that  was  he  that  bare  the  prize. 
Then  came  there  one  and  told  Sir  Darras  that  the  same 
knight  was  within,  him  that  bare  the  black  shield.  Then 
Sir  Darras  went  unto  Sir  Tristram's  chamber,  and  there 
he  found  his  shield  and  showed  it  to  the  damosel.  Ah  sir, 
said  the  damosel,  that  same  is  he  that  slew  your  three  sons. 
Then  without  any  tarrying  Sir  Darras  put  Sir  Tristram,  and 


OF   SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   SIR   DARRAS       189 

Sir  Palomides,  and  Sir  Dinadan,  within  a  strong  prison,  and 
there  Sir  Tristram  was  like  to  have  died  of  great  sickness; 
and  every  day  Sir  Palomides  would  reprove  Sir  Tristram 
of  old  hate  betwixt  them.  And  ever  Sir  Tristram  spake 
fair  and  said  little.  So  Sir  Tristram  endured  there  great 
pain,  for  sickness  had  undertaken  him,  and  that  is  the  greatest 
pain  a  prisoner  may  have.  For  all  the  while  a  prisoner  may 
have  his  health  of  body  he  may  endure  under  the  mercy  of 
God  and  in  hope  of  good  deliverance ;  but  when  sickness 
toucheth  a  prisoner's  body,  then  may  a  prisoner  say  all  wealth 
is  him  bereft,  and  then  he  hath  cause  to  wail  and  to  weep. 
Right  so  did  Sir  Tristram  when  sickness  had  undertaken 
him,  for  then  he  took  such  sorrow  that  he  had  almost  slain 
himself. 

So  a  damosel  came  in  to  them  and  found  them  mourning. 
Then  she  went  unto  Sir  Darras,  and  told  him  how  that  mighty 
knight  that  bare  the  black  shield  was  likely  to  die.  That 
shall  not  be,  said  Sir  Darras,  for  God  defend  when  knights 
come  to  me  for  succour  that  I  should  suffer  them  to  die  within 
my  prison.  Therefore,  said  Sir  Darras  to  the  damosel,  fetch 
that  knight  and  his  fellows  afore  me.  And  then  anon  when 
Sir  Darras  saw  Sir  Tristram  brought  afore  him,  he  said :  Sir 
knight,  me  repenteth  of  thy  sickness,  for  thou  art  called  a 
full  noble  knight,  and  so  it  seemeth  by  thee ;  and  wit  ye  well 
it  shall  never  be  said  that  Sir  Darras  shall  destroy  such  a 
noble  knight  as  thou  art  in  prison,  howbeit  that  thou  hast 
slain  three  of  my  sons,  whereby  I  was  greatly  aggrieved. 
But  now  shalt  thou  go  and  thy  fellows,  and  your  harness  and 
horses  have  been  fair  and  clean  kept,  and  ye  shall  go  where 
it  liketh  you,  upon  this  covenant,  that  thou,  knight,  wilt 
promise  me  to  be  good  friend  to  my  sons  two  that  be  now 


190  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

alive,  and  also  that  thou  tell  me  thy  name.  Sir,  said  he,  as 
for  me,  my  name  is  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones,  and  in  Cornwall 
was  I  born,  and  nephew  I  am  unto  King  Mark.  And  as  for 
the  death  of  your  sons  I  might  not  do  withal,  for  an  they  had 
been  the  next  kin  that  I  have  I  might  have  done  none  other- 
wise. And  if  I  had  slain  them  by  treason  or  treachery  I  had 
been  worthy  to  have  died.  All  this  I  consider,  said  Sir 
Darras,  that  all  that  ye  did  was  by  force  of  knighthood,  and 
that  was  the  cause  I  would  not  put  you  to  death.  But  sith 
ye  be  Sir  Tristram,  the  good  knight,  I  pray  you  heartily  to 
be  my  good  friend  and  to  my  sons.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
I  promise  you  by  the  faith  of  my  body,  ever  while  I  live  I  will 
do  you  service,  for  ye  have  done  to  us  but  as  a  natural  knight 
ought  to  do.  Then  Sir  Tristram  reposed  him  there  till  that 
he  was  amended  of  his  sickness ;  and  when  he  was  big  and 
strong  they  took  their  leave,  and  every  knight  took  their 
horses  and  so  departed  and  rode  together  till  they  came  to  a 
crossway.  Now  fellows,  said  Sir  Tristram,  here  will  we 
depart  in  sundry  ways. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  SAVED  SIR  PALOMIDES' 
LIFE,  AND  HOW  THEY  PROMISED  TO  FIGHT 
TOGETHER  WITHIN  A  FORTNIGHT,  AND 
HOW  THEY  WERE  BOTH  SMITTEN  DOWN  BY  A 
STRONG  KNIGHT.  Then  in  every  place  Sir  Tristram  asked 
and  demanded  after  Sir  Launcelot,  but  in  no  place  he  could 
not  hear  of  him  whether  he  were  dead  or  alive ;  wherefore 
Sir  Tristram  made  great  dole  and  sorrow.  So  Sir  Tristram 
rode  by  a  forest,  and  then  was  he  ware  of  a  fair  tower  by  a 
marsh  on  that  one  side,  and  on  that  other  side  a  fair  meadow. 
And  there  he  saw  ten  knights  fighting  together.  And  ever 


HOW  TRISTRAM  SAVED   PALOMIDES        191 

the  nearer  he  came  he  saw  how  there  was  but  one  knight  did 
battle  against  nine  knights,  and  that  one  did  so  marvellously 
that  Sir  Tristram  had  great  wonder  that  ever  one  knight 
might  do  so  great  deeds  of  arms.  And  then  within  a  little 
while  he  had  slain  half  their  horses  and  unhorsed  them,  and 
their  horses  ran  in  the  fields  and  forest.  Then  Sir  Tristram 
had  so  great  pity  of  that  one  knight  that  endured  so  great 
pain,  and  ever  he  thought  it  should  be  Sir  Palomides,  by  his 
shield.  And  so  he  rode  unto  the  knights  and  cried  unto 
them,  and  bade  them  cease  of  their  battle,  for  they  did  them- 
selves great  shame  so  many  knights  to  fight  with  one.  Then 
answered  the  master  of  those  knights,  his  name  was  called 
Breuse  Saunce  Pite,  that  was  at  that  time  the  most  mis- 
chievoust  knight  living,  and  said  thus :  Sir  knight,  what 
have  ye  ado  with  us  to  meddle  ?  and  therefore,  an  ye  be  wise, 
depart  on  your  way  as  ye  came,  for  this  knight  shall  not 
escape  us.  That  were  pity,  said  Sir  Tristram,  that  so  good 
a  knight  as  he  is  should  be  slain  so  cowardly;  and  therefore 
I  warn  you  I  will  succour  him  with  all  my  puissance. 

So  Sir  Tristram  alighted  off  his  horse  because  they  were 
on  foot,  that  they  should  not  slay  his  horse,  and  then  dressed 
his  shield,  with  his  sword  in  his  hand,  and  he  smote  on  the 
right  hand  and  on  the  left  hand  passing  sore,  that  well-nigh 
at  every  stroke  he  struck  down  a  knight.  And  when  they 
espied  his  strokes  they  fled  all  with  Breuse  Saunce  Pite  unto 
the  tower,  and  Sir  Tristram  followed  fast  after  with  his  sword 
in  his  hand,  but  they  escaped  into  the  tower,  and  shut  Sir 
Tristram  without  the  gate.  And  when  Sir  Tristram  saw  this 
he  returned  aback  unto  Sir  Palomides,  and  found  him  sitting 
under  a  tree  sore  wounded.  Ah,  fair  knight,  said  Sir  Tris- 
tram, well  be  ye  found.  Gramercy,  said  Sir  Palomides,  of 


i92  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

your  great  goodness,  for  ye  have  rescued  me  of  my  life,  and 
saved  me  from  my  death.  What  is  your  name  ?  said  Sir 
Tristram.  He  said :  My  name  is  Sir  Palomides.  O  Jesu, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  thou  hast  a  fair  grace  of  me  this  day  that 
I  should  rescue  thee,  and  thou  art  the  man  in  the  world  that 
I  most  hate ;  but  now  make  thee  ready,  for  I  will  do  battle 
with  thee.  What  is  your  name  ?  said  Sir  Palomides.  My 
name  is  Sir  Tristram,  your  mortal  enemy.  It  may  be  so, 
said  Sir  Palomides ;  but  ye  have  done  over  much  for  me  this 
day  that  I  should  fight  with  you ;  for  inasmuch  as  ye  have 
saved  my  life  it  will  be  no  worship  for  you  to  have  ado  with 
me,  for  ye  are  fresh  and  I  am  wounded  sore,  and  therefore,  an 
ye  will  needs  have  ado  with  me,  assign  me  a  day  and  then  I 
shall  meet  with  you  without  fail.  Ye  say  well,  said  Sir  Tris- 
tram, now  I  assign  you  to  meet  me  in  the  meadow  by  the  river 
of  Camelot,  where  Merlin  set  the  peron.  So  they  were  agreed. 
Then  Sir  Tristram  asked  Sir  Palomides  why  the  nine 
knights  did  battle  with  him.  For  this  cause,  said  Sir  Palo- 
mides ;  as  I  rode  upon  mine  adventures  in  a  forest  here  be- 
side I  espied  where  lay  a  dead  knight,  and  a  lady  weeping 
beside  him.  And  when  I  saw  her  making  such  dole,  I  asked 
her  who  slew  her  lord.  Sir,  she  said,  the  falsest  knight  of 
the  world  now  living,  and  he  is  the  most  villain  that  ever 
man  heard  speak  of,  and  his  name  is  Sir  Breuse  Saunce  Pite. 
Then  for  pity  I  made  the  damosel  to  leap  on  her  palfrey,  and 
I  promised  her  to  be  her  warrant,  and  to  help  her  to  inter  her 
lord.  And  so,  suddenly,  as  I  came  riding  by  this  tower,  there 
came  out  Sir  Breuse  Saunce  Pite,  and  suddenly  he  struck  me 
from  my  horse.  And  then  or  I  might  recover  my  horse  this 
Sir  Breuse  slew  the  damosel.  And  so  I  took  my  horse  again, 
and  I  was  sore  ashamed,  and  so  began  the  medley  betwixt 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  SIR  PALOMIDES     193 

us :  and  this  is  the  cause  wherefore  we  did  this  battle.  Well, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  now  I  understand  the  manner  of  your  battle, 
but  in  any  wise  have  remembrance  of  your  promise  that  ye 
have  made  with  me  to  do  battle  with  me  this  day  fortnight. 
I  shall  not  fail  you,  said  Sir  Palomides.  Well,  said  Sir  Tris- 
tram, as  at  this  time  I  will  not  fail  you  till  that  ye  be  out  of 
the  danger  of  your  enemies. 

So  they  mounted  upon  their  horses,  and  rode  together 
unto  that  forest,  and  there  they  found  a  fair  well,  with  clear 
water  burbling.  Fair  sir,  said  Sir  Tristram,  to  drink  of  that 
water  have  I  courage  ;  and  then  they  alighted  off  their  horses. 
And  then  were  they  ware  by  them  where  stood  a  great  horse 
tied  to  a  tree,  and  ever  he  neighed.  And  then  were  they  ware 
of  a  fair  knight  armed,  under  a  tree,  lacking  no  piece  of  harness, 
save  his  helm  lay  under  his  head.  By  the  good  lord,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  yonder  lieth  a  well-faring  knight ;  what  is  best 
to  do  ?  Awake  him,  said  Sir  Palomides.  So  Sir  Tristram 
awaked  him  with  the  butt  of  his  spear.  And  so  the  knight 
rose  up  hastily  and  put  his  helm  upon  his  head,  and  gat  a 
great  spear  in  his  hand ;  and  without  any  more  words  he 
hurled  unto  Sir  Tristram,  and  smote  him  clean  from  his 
saddle  to  the  earth,  and  hurt  him  on  the  left  side,  that  Sir 
Tristram  lay  in  great  peril.  Then  he  walloped  farther,  and 
fetched  his  course,  and  came  hurling  upon  Sir  Palomides,  and 
there  he  struck  him  a  part  through  the  body,  that  he  fell 
from  his  horse  to  the  earth.  And  then  this  strange  knight 
left  them  there,  and  took  his  way  through  the  forest.  With 
this  Sir  Palomides  and  Sir  Tristram  were  on  foot,  and  gat 
their  horses  again,  and  either  asked  counsel  of  other,  what 
was  best  to  do.  By  my  head,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  follow 
this  strong  knight  that  thus  hath  shamed  us.  Well,  said 


194  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Sir  Palomides,  and  I  will  repose  me  hereby  with  a  friend  of 
mine.  Beware,  said  Sir  Tristram  unto  Palomides,  that  ye 
fail  not  that  day  that  ye  have  set  with  me  to  do  battle,  for, 
as  I  deem,  ye  will  not  hold  your  day,  for  I  am  much  bigger 
than  ye.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Palomides,  be  it  as  it  be  may, 
for  I  fear  you  not,  for  an  I  be  not  sick  nor  prisoner,  I  will  not 
fail  you ;  but  I  have  cause  to  have  much  more  doubt  of  you 
that  ye  will  not  meet  with  me,  for  ye  ride  after  yonder  strong 
knight.  And  if  ye  meet  with  him  it  is  an  hard  adventure  an 
ever  ye  escape  his  hands.  Right  so  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir 
Palomides  departed,  and  either  took  their  ways  diverse. 

And  by  fortune  in  a  meadow  Sir  Tristram  met  with  Sir 
Kay,  the  Seneschal,  and  Sir  Dinadan.  What  tidings  with 
you,  said  Sir  Tristram,  with  you  knights  ?  Not  good,  said 
these  knights.  Why  so  ?  said  Sir  Tristram ;  I  pray  you 
tell  me,  for  I  ride  to  seek  a  knight.  What  cognisance  beareth 
he  ?  said  Sir  Kay.  He  beareth,  said  Sir  Tristram,  a  covered 
shield  close  with  cloth.  By  my  head,  said  Sir  Kay,  that  is 
the  same  knight  that  met  with  us,  for  this  night  we  were 
lodged  within  a  widow's  house,  and  there  was  that  knight 
lodged  ;  and  when  he  wist  we  were  of  Arthur's  court  he  spoke 
great  villainy  by  the  king,  and  specially  by  the  Queen  Guen- 
ever,  and  then  on  the  morn  was  waged  battle  with  him  for  that 
cause.  And  at  the  first  recounter,  said  Sir  Kay,  he  smote 
me  down  from  my  horse  and  hurt  me  passing  sore ;  and  when 
my  fellow,  Sir  Dinadan,  saw  me  smitten  down  and  hurt  he 
would  not  revenge  me,  but  fled  from  me ;  and  thus  he  de- 
parted. And  then  Sir  Tristram  asked  them  their  names,  and 
so  either  told  other  their  names.  And  so  Sir  Tristram  de- 
parted from  Sir  Kay,  and  from  Sir  Dinadan,  and  so  he  passed 
through  a  great  forest  into  a  plain,  till  he  was  ware  of  a  priory, 


HOW  TRISTRAM  SMOTE  SAGRAMORE       195 

and  there  he  reposed  him  with  a  good  man  six  days.  And 
then  he  sent  his  man  that  hight  Gouvernail,  and  commanded 
him  to  go  to  a  city  thereby  to  fetch  him  new  harness  ;  for  it  was 
long  time  afore  that  that  Sir  Tristram  had  been  refreshed,  his 
harness  was  brised  and  broken.  And  when  Gouvernail,  his 
servant,  was  come  with  his  apparel,  he  mounted  upon  his 
horse,  and  rode  his  way  early  on  the  morn.  And  by  sudden 
adventure  Sir  Tristram  met  with  Sir  Sagramore  le  Desirous, 
and  with  Sir  Dodinas  le  Savage.  And  these  two  knights  met 
with  Sir  Tristram  and  questioned  with  him,  and  asked  him 
if  he  would  joust  with  them.  Fair  knights,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
with  a  good  will  I  would  joust  with  you,  but  I  have  promised 
at  a  day  set,  near  hand,  to  do  battle  with  a  strong  knight ; 
and  therefore  I  am  loath  to  have  ado  with  you,  for  an  it  mis- 
fortuned  me  here  to  be  hurt  I  should  not  be  able  to  do  my 
battle  which  I  promised.  As  for  that,  said  Sagramore,  maugre 
your  head,  ye  shall  joust  with  us  or  ye  pass  from  us.  Well, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  if  ye  enforce  me  thereto  I  must  do  what  I 
may.  And  then  they  dressed  their  shields,  and  came  running 
together  with  great  ire.  But  through  Sir  Tristram's  great 
force  he  struck  Sir  Sagramore  from  his  horse.  Then  he  hurled 
his  horse  farther,  and  said  to  Sir  Dodinas :  Knight,  make 
thee  ready ;  and  so  through  fine  force  Sir  Tristram  struck 
Dodinas  from  his  horse.  And  when  he  saw  them  lie  on  the 
earth  he  took  his  bridle,  and  rode  forth  on  his  way,  and  his 
man  Gouvernail  with  him. 


196  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 


HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  MET  AT  THE 
PERON  WITH  SIR  LAUNCELOT,  AND 
HOW  THEY  FOUGHT  TOGETHER  UN- 
KNOWN, AND  HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
BROUGHT  SIR  TRISTRAM  TO  THE 
COURT,  AND  OF  THE  GREAT  JOY  THAT 
THE  KING  AND  OTHER  MADE  FOR  THE  COMING 
OF  SIR  TRISTRAM.  Then  departed  Sir  Tristram  and 
rode  straight  unto  Camelot,  to  the  peron  that  Merlin  had 
made  to-fore,  where  Sir  Lanceor,  that  was  the  king's  son 
of  Ireland,  was  slain  by  the  hands  of  Balin.  And  in  that 
same  place  was  the  fair  lady  Colombe  slain,  that  was  love 
unto  Sir  Lanceor ;  for  after  he  was  dead  she  took  his  sword 
and  thrust  it  through  her  body.  And  by  the  craft  of  Merlin 
he  made  to  inter  this  knight,  Lanceor,  and  his  lady,  Colombe, 
under  one  stone.  And  at  that  time  Merlin  prophesied  that 
in  that  same  place  should  fight  two  the  best  knights  that  ever 
were  in  Arthur's  days,  and  the  best  lovers.  So  when  Sir 
Tristram  came  to  the  tomb  where  Lanceor  and  his  lady  were 
buried  he  looked  about  him  after  Sir  Palomides.  Then  was 
he  ware  of  a  seemly  knight  came  riding  against  him  all  in 
white,  with  a  covered  shield.  When  he  came  nigh  Sir  Tris- 
tram he  said  on  high :  Ye  be  welcome,  sir  knight,  and  well 
and  truly  have  ye  holden  your  promise.  And  then  they 
dressed  their  shields  and  spears,  and  came  together  with  all 
their  might  of  their  horses  ;  and  they  met  so  fiercely  that  both 
their  horses  and  knights  fell  to  the  earth,  and  as  fast  as  they 
might  avoided  their  horses,  and  put  their  shields  afore  them : 
and  they  struck  together  with  bright  swords,  as  men  that 
were  of  might,  and  either  wounded  other  wonderly  sore,  that 
the  blood  ran  out  upon  the  grass.  And  thus  they  fought  the 


HOW  TRISTRAM   FOUGHT  LAUNCELOT      197 

space  of  four  hours,  that  never  one  would  speak  to  other  one 
word,  and  of  their  harness  they  had  hewn  off  many  pieces. 
I  marvel  greatly  of  the  strokes  my  master  hath  given  to  your 
master,  said  Gouvernail.  By  my  head,  said  Sir  Launcelot's 
servant,  your  master  hath  not  given  so  many  but  your  master 
has  received  as  many  or  more.  So  they  stood  and  wept 
both,  and  made  great  dole  when  they  saw  the  bright  swords 
over-covered  with  blood  of  their  bodies. 

Then  at  the  last  spake  Sir  Launcelot  and  said  :  Knight, 
thou  fightest  wonderly  well  as  ever  I  saw  knight,  therefore, 
an  it  please  you,  tell  me  your  name.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
that  is  me  loath  to  tell  any  man  my  name.  Truly,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  an  I  were  required  I  was  never  loath  to  tell  my 
name.  It  is  well  said,  said  Sir  Tristram,  then  I  require 
you  to  tell  me  your  name  ?  Fair  knight,  he  said,  my  name 
is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  Alas,  said  Sir  Tristram,  what 
have  I  done  !  for  ye  are  the  man  in  the  world  that  I  love 
best.  Fair  knight,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  tell  me  your  name  ? 
Truly,  said  he,  my  name  is  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones.  O  Jesu, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  what  adventure  is  befallen  me !  And 
therewith  Sir  Launcelot  kneeled  down  and  yielded  him  up 
his  sword.  And  therewith  Sir  Tristram  kneeled  adown,  and 
yielded  him  up  his  sword.  And  so  either  gave  other  the 
degree.  And  then  they  both  forthwithal  went  to  the  stone, 
and  set  them  down  upon  it,  and  took  off  their  helms  to  cool 
them,  and  either  kissed  other  an  hundred  times.  And  then 
anon  after  they  took  off  their  helms  and  rode  to  Camelot. 
And  there  they  met  with  Sir  Gawaine  and  with  Sir  Gaheris 
that  had  made  promise  to  Arthur  never  to  come  again  to  the 
court  till  they  had  brought  Sir  Tristram  with  them. 

Return  again,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  your  quest  is  done, 


198  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

for  I  have  met  with  Sir  Tristram :  lo,  here  is  his  own  person ! 
Then  was  Sir  Gawaine  glad,  and  said  to  Sir  Tristram :  Ye 
are  welcome,  for  now  have  ye  eased  me  greatly  of  my  labour. 
For  what  cause,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  came  ye  into  this  court  ? 
Fair  sir,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  came  into  this  country  because 
of  Sir  Palomides ;  for  he  and  I  had  assigned  at  this  day  to 
have  done  battle  together  at  the  peron,  and  I  marvel  I  hear 
not  of  him.1  And  thus  by  adventure  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  I  met  together.  With  this  came  King  Arthur,  and  when 
he  wist  that  there  was  Sir  Tristram,  then  he  ran  unto  him 
and  took  him  by  the  hand  and  said :  Sir  Tristram,  ye  are 
as  welcome  as  any  knight  that  ever  came  to  this  court.  And 
when  the  king  had  heard  how  Sir  Launcelot  and  he  had 
foughten,  and  either  had  wounded  other  wonderly  sore,  then 
the  king  made  great  dole.  Then  Sir  Tristram  told  the  king 
how  he  came  thither  for  to  have  had  ado  with  Sir  Palomides. 
And  then  he  told  the  king  how  he  had  rescued  him  from  the 
nine  knights  and  Breuse  Saunce  Pite ;  and  how  he  found  a 
knight  lying  by  a  well,  and  that  knight  smote  down  Sir  Palo- 
mides and  me,  but  his  shield  was  covered  with  a  cloth.  So 
Sir  Palomides  left  me,  and  I  followed  after  that  knight ;  and 
in  many  places  I  found  where  he  had  slain  knights,  and  for- 
jousted  many.  By  my  head,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  that  same 
knight  smote  me  down  and  Sir  Bleoberis,  and  hurt  us  sore 
both,  he  with  the  covered  shield.  Ah,  said  Sir  Kay,  that 
knight  smote  me  adown  and  hurt  me  passing  sore,  and  fain 
would  I  have  known  him,  but  I  might  not.  Mercy,  said 
Arthur,  what  knight  was  that  with  the  covered  shield  ?  I 
know  not,  said  Sir  Tristram;  and  so  said  they  all.  Now, 

1  The  cause  of  this  was  that  Palomides  was  made  prisoner  by  a  lord,  so  that  he  could 
not  keep  his  day. 


HOW  TRISTRAM  CAME  TO  THE  COURT     199 

said  King  Arthur,  then  wot  I,  for  it  is  Sir  Launcelot.  Then 
they  all  looked  upon  Sir  Launcelot  and  said :  Ye  have  be- 
guiled us  with  your  covered  shield.  It  is  not  the  first  time, 
said  Arthur,  he  hath  done  so.  My  lord,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
truly  wit  ye  well  I  was  the  same  knight  that  bare  the  covered 
shield ;  and  because  I  would  not  be  known  that  I  was  of  your 
court  I  said  no  worship  of  your  house.  That  is  truth,  said 
Sir  Gawaine,  Sir  Kay,  and  Sir  Bleoberis. 

Then  King  Arthur  took  Sir  Tristram  by  the  hand  and 
went  to  the  Table  Round.  Then  came  Queen  Guenever 
and  many  ladies  with  her,  and  all  the  ladies  said  at  one  voice : 
Welcome,  Sir  Tristram !  Welcome,  said  the  damosels.  Wel- 
come, said  knights.  Welcome,  said  Arthur,  for  one  of  the 
best  knights,  and  the  gentlest  of  the  world,  and  the  man  of 
most  worship ;  for  of  all  manner  of  hunting  thou  bearest  the 
prize,  and  of  all  measures  of  blowing  thou  art  the  beginning, 
and  of  all  the  terms  of  hunting  and  hawking  ye  are  the  be- 
ginner, of  all  instruments  of  music  ye  are  the  best ;  therefore, 
gentle  knight,  said  Arthur,  ye  are  welcome  to  this  court. 
And  also,  I  pray  you,  said  Arthur,  grant  me  a  boon.  It  shall 
be  at  your  commandment,  said  Tristram.  Well,  said  Arthur, 
I  will  desire  of  you  that  ye  will  abide  in  my  court.  Sir,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  thereto  is  me  loath,  for  I  have  ado  in  many 
countries.  Not  so,  said  Arthur,  ye  have  promised  it  me,  ye 
may  not  say  nay.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  as  ye  will. 
Then  went  Arthur  unto  the  sieges  about  the  Round  Table, 
and  looked  in  every  siege  the  which  were  void  that  lacked 
knights.  And  then  the  king  saw  in  the  siege  of  Marhaus 
letters  that  said :  This  is  the  siege  of  the  noble  knight,  Sir 
Tristram.  And  then  Arthur  made  Sir  Tristram  Knight  of 
the  Table  Round,  with  great  nobley  and  great  feast  as  might 


200  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

be  thought.  For  Sir  Marhaus  was  slain  afore  by  the  hands 
of  Sir  Tristram  in  an  island  ;  and  that  was  well  known  at  that 
time  in  the  court  of  Arthur,  for  this  Marhaus  was  a  worthy 
knight.  So  leave  we  of  Sir  Tristram  and  speak  we  of  King 
Mark. 

HOW  FOR  THE  DESPITE  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 
KING  MARK  CAME  WITH  TWO  KNIGHTS 
INTO  ENGLAND,  AND  HOW  HE  SLEW  ONE 
OF  THE  KNIGHTS,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS  SCORNED 
BY  SIR  LAMORAK  AND  SIR  DINADAN.  When  Sir 
Tristram  departed  out  of  Cornwall  into  England  King  Mark 
heard  of  the  great  prowess  that  Sir  Tristram  did  there,  the 
which  grieved  him  sore.  So  he  sent  on  his  part  men  to  espy 
what  deeds  he  did.  And  the  queen  sent  privily  on  her  part 
spies  to  know  what  deeds  he  had  done,  for  great  love  was 
between  them  twain.  So  when  the  messengers  were  come 
home  they  told  the  truth  as  they  had  heard,  that  he  passed  all 
other  knights  but  if  it  were  Sir  Launcelot.  Then  King  Mark 
was  right  heavy  of  these  tidings,  and  as  glad  was  La  Beale 
Isoud.  Then  in  great  despite  he  took  with  him  two  good 
knights  and  two  squires,  and  disguised  himself,  and  took  his 
way  into  England,  to  the  intent  for  to  slay  Sir  Tristram. 
And  one  of  these  two  knights  hight  Bersules,  and  the  other 
knight  was  called  Amant.  So  as  they  rode  King  Mark  asked 
a  knight  that  he  met,  where  he  should  find  King  Arthur. 
He  said :  At  Camelot.  Also  he  asked  that  knight  after  Sir 
Tristram,  whether  he  heard  of  him  in  the  court  of  King 
Arthur.  Wit  you  well,  said  that  knight,  ye  shall  find  Sir 
Tristram  there  for  a  man  of  as  great  worship  as  is  now  living ; 
for  through  his  prowess  he  won  the  tournament  of  the  Castle 


OF  KING  MARK'S  TREASONS  201 

of  Maidens  that  standeth  by  the  Hard  Rock.  And  sithen 
he  hath  won  with  his  own  hands  thirty  knights  that  were 
men  of  great  honour.  And  the  last  battle  that  ever  he  did 
he  fought  with  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  that  was  a  marvellous 
battle.  And  not  by  force  Sir  Launcelot  brought  Sir  Tristram 
to  the  court,  and  of  him  King  Arthur  made  passing  great 
joy,  and  so  made  him  Knight  of  the  Table  Round ;  and  his 
seat  was  where  the  good  knight's,  Sir  Marhaus,  seat  was. 
Then  was  King  Mark  passing  sorry  when  he  heard  of  the 
honour  of  Sir  Tristram  ;  and  so  they  departed. 

Then  said  King  Mark  unto  his  two  knights :  Now  will 
I  tell  you  my  counsel :  ye  are  the  men  that  I  trust  most  to 
alive,  and  I  will  that  ye  wit  my  coming  hither  is  to  this  in- 
tent, for  to  destroy  Sir  Tristram  by  wiles  or  by  treason ;  and 
it  shall  be  hard  if  ever  he  escape  our  hands.  Alas,  said  Sir 
Bersules,  what  mean  you  ?  for  ye  be  set  in  such  a  way  ye  are 
disposed  shamefully ;  for  Sir  Tristram  is  the  knight  of  most 
worship  that  we  know  living,  and  therefore  I  warn  you  plainly 
I  will  never  consent  to  do  him  to  the  death ;  and  therefore  I 
will  yield  my  service,  and  forsake  you.  When  King  Mark 
heard  him  say  so,  suddenly  he  drew  his  sword  and  said : 
Ah,  traitor;  and  smote  Sir  Bersules  on  the  head,  that  the 
sword  went  to  his  teeth.  When  Amant,  the  knight,  saw 
him  do  that  villainous  deed,  and  his  squires,  they  said  it  was 
foul  done,  and  mischievously:  Wherefore  we  will  do  thee 
no  more  service,  and  wit  ye  well,  we  will  appeach  thee  of 
treason  afore  Arthur.  Then  was  King  Mark  wonderly  wroth 
and  would  have  slain  Amant ;  but  he  and  the  two  squires 
held  them  together,  and  set  nought  by  his  malice.  When 
King  Mark  saw  he  might  not  be  revenged  on  them,  he  said 
thus  unto  the  knight,  Amant :  Wit  thou  well,  an  thou  ap- 


202  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

peach  me  of  treason  I  shall  thereof  defend  me  afore  King 
Arthur ;  but  I  require  thee  that  thou  tell  not  my  name,  that 
I  am  King  Mark,  whatsomever  come  of  me.  As  for  that, 
said  Sir  Amant,  I  will  not  discover  your  name ;  and  so  they 
departed,  and  Amant  and  his  fellows  took  the  body  of 
Bersules  and  buried  it. 

Then  King  Mark  rode  till  he  came  to  a  fountain,  and 
there  he  rested  him,  and  stood  in  a  doubt  whether  he  would 
ride  to  Arthur's  court  or  none,  or  return  again  to  his  country. 
And  as  he  thus  rested  him  by  that  fountain  there  came  by 
him  a  knight  well  armed  on  horseback ;  and  he  alighted,  and 
tied  his  horse  until  a  tree,  and  set  him  down  by  the  brink  of 
the  fountain ;  and  there  he  made  great  languor  and  dole,  and 
made  the  dolefullest  complaint  of  love  that  ever  man  heard ; 
and  all  this  while  was  he  not  ware  of  King  Mark.  And  this 
was  a  great  part  of  his  complaint :  he  cried  and  wept,  saying : 

0  fair  Queen  of  Orkney,  King  Lot's  wife,  and  mother  of  Sir 
Gawaine,  and  to  Sir  Gaheris,  and  mother  to  many  other,  for 
thy  love  I  am  in  great  pains.     Then  King  Mark  arose  and 
went  near  him  and  said :     Fair  knight,  ye  have  made  piteous 
complaint.     Truly,  said  the  knight,  it  is  an  hundred  part 
more  ruefuller  than  my  heart  can  utter.     I  require  you,  said 
King  Mark,  tell  me  your  name.     Sir,  said  he,  as  for  my  name 

1  will  not  hide  it  from  no  knight  that  beareth  a  shield,  and 
my  name  is  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis.     But  when  Sir  Lamorak 
heard  King  Mark  speak,  then  wist  he  well  by  his  speech  that 
he  was  a  Cornish  knight.     Sir,  said  Sir  Lamorak,  I  under- 
stand by  your  tongue  ye  be  of  Cornwall,  wherein  there  dwelleth 
the  shamefullest  king  that  is  now  living,  for  he  is  a  great  enemy 
to  all  good  knights  ;  and  that  proveth  well,  for  he  hath  chased 
out  of  that  country  Sir  Tristram,  that  is  the  worshipfullest 


OF  KING  MARK  AND  SIR  LAMORAK       203 

knight  that  now  is  living,  and  all  knights  speak  of  him  wor- 
ship ;  and  for  jealousness  of  his  queen  he  hath  chased  him  out 
of  his  country.  It  is  pity,  said  Sir  Lamorak,  that  ever  any 
such  false  knight-coward  as  King  Mark  is,  should  be  matched 
with  such  a  fair  lady  and  good  as  La  Beale  Isoud  is,  for  all 
the  world  of  him  speaketh  shame,  and  of  her  worship  that 
any  queen  may  have.  I  have  not  ado  in  this  matter,  said 
King  Mark,  neither  nought  will  I  speak  thereof. 

Then  there  came  Sir  Dinadan,  and  saluted  them  both. 
And  when  he  wist  that  King  Mark  was  a  knight  of  Corn- 
wall he  reproved  him  for  the  love  of  King  Mark  a  thousand 
fold  more  than  did  Sir  Lamorak.  Then  he  proffered  to 
joust  with  King  Mark.  And  he  was  full  loath  thereto,  but 
Sir  Dinadan  edged  him  so,  that  he  jousted  with  Sir  Lamorak. 
And  Sir  Lamorak  smote  King  Mark  so  sore  that  he  bare  him 
on  his  spear  end  over  his  horse's  tail.  And  then  King  Mark 
arose  again,  and  followed  after  Sir  Lamorak.  But  Sir  Dina- 
dan would  not  joust  with  Sir  Lamorak,  but  he  told  King  Mark 
that  Sir  Lamorak  was  Sir  Kay,  the  Seneschal.  That  is  not 
so,  said  King  Mark,  for  he  is  much  bigger  than  Sir  Kay ;  and 
so  he  followed  and  overtook  him,  and  bade  him  abide.  What 
will  you  do  ?  said  Sir  Lamorak.  Sir,  he  said,  I  will  fight  with 
a  sword,  for  ye  have  shamed  me  with  a  spear ;  and  therewith 
they  dashed  together  with  swords,  and  Sir  Lamorak  suffered 
him  and  forbare  him.  And  King  Mark  was  passing  hasty, 
and  smote  thick  strokes.  Sir  Lamorak  saw  he  would  not 
stint,  and  waxed  somewhat  wroth,  and  doubled  his  strokes, 
for  he  was  one  of  the  noblest  knights  of  the  world ;  and  he 
beat  him  so  on  the  helm  that  his  head  hung  nigh  on  the  saddle 
bow.  When  Sir  Lamorak  saw  him  fare  so,  he  said :  Sir 
knight,  what  cheer  ?  meseemeth  ye  have  nigh  your  fill  of 


204  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

fighting,  it  were  pity  to  do  you  any  more  harm,  for  ye  are  but 
a  mean  knight,  therefore  I  give  you  leave  to  go  where  ye  list. 
Gramercy,  said  King  Mark,  for  ye  and  I  be  not  matches. 

HOW  KING  MARK  SLEW  SIR  AMANT 
WRONGFULLY  TO-FORE  KING 
ARTHUR,  AND  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
FETCHED  KING  MARK  AGAIN  TO 
KING  ARTHUR.  Then  King  Mark  rode 
as  fast  as  he  might  unto  Camelot ;  and  the  same  day  he 
found  there  Amant,  the  knight,  ready,  that  afore  Arthur  had 
appealed  him  of  treason  ;  and  so,  lightly  the  king  commanded 
them  to  do  battle.  And  by  misadventure  King  Mark  smote 
Amant  through  the  body.  And  yet  was  Amant  in  the 
righteous  quarrel.  And  right  so  he  took  his  horse  and  de- 
parted from  the  court  for  dread  of  Sir  Dinadan,  that  he 
would  tell  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Palomides  what  he  was. 
Then  were  there  maidens  that  La  Beale  Isoud  had  sent  to 
Sir  Tristram,  that  knew  Sir  Amant  well. 

Then  by  the  license  of  King  Arthur  they  went  to  him 
and  spake  with  him ;  for  while  the  truncheon  of  the  spear 
stuck  in  his  body  he  spake :  Ah,  fair  damosels,  said  Amant, 
recommend  me  unto  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  tell  her  that  I  am 
slain  for  the  love  of  her  and  of  Sir  Tristram.  And  there  he 
told  the  damosels  how  cowardly  King  Mark  had  slain  him, 
and  Sir  Bersules,  his  fellow.  And  for  that  deed  I  appealed 
him  of  treason,  and  here  am  I  slain  in  a  righteous  quarrel ; 
and  all  was  because  Sir  Bersules  and  I  would  not  consent  by 
treason  to  slay  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Tristram.  Then  the 
two  maidens  cried  aloud  that  all  the  court  might  hear  it,  and 
said :  O  sweet  Lord  Jesu,  that  knowest  all  hid  things,  why 


OF   SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND   KING  MARK     205 

sufferest  thou  so  false  a  traitor  to  vanquish  and  slay  a  true 
knight  that  fought  in  a  righteous  quarrel  ?  Then  anon  it 
was  sprung  to  the  king,  and  the  queen,  and  to  all  the  lords, 
that  it  was  King  Mark  that  had  slain  Sir  Amant,  and  Sir 
Bersules  aforehand ;  wherefore  they  did  their  battle.  Then 
was  King  Arthur  wroth  out  of  measure,  and  so  were  all  the 
other  knights.  But  when  Sir  Tristram  knew  all  the  matter  he 
made  great  dole  and  sorrow  out  of  measure,  and  wept  for  sorrow 
for  the  loss  of  the  noble  knights,  Sir  Bersules  and  Sir  Amant. 
When  Sir  Launcelot  espied  Sir  Tristram  weep  he  went 
hastily  to  King  Arthur,  and  said :  Sir,  I  pray  you  give  me 
leave  to  return  again  to  yonder  false  king  and  knight.  I 
pray  you,  said  King  Arthur,  fetch  him  again,  but  I  would 
not  that  ye  slew  him,  for  my  worship.  Then  Sir  Launcelot 
armed  him  in  all  haste,  and  mounted  upon  a  great  horse, 
and  took  a  spear  in  his  hand  and  rode  after  King  Mark. 
And  from  thence  a  three  mile  English  Sir  Launcelot  over- 
took him,  and  bade  him :  Turn  recreant  king  and  knight, 
for  whether  thou  wilt  or  not  thou  shalt  go  with  me  to  King 
Arthur's  court.  King  Mark  returned  and  looked  upon  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  said :  Fair  sir,  what  is  your  name  ?  Wit 
thou  well,  said  he,  my  name  is  Sir  Launcelot,  and  therefore 
defend  thee.  And  when  King  Mark  wist  that  it  was  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  came  so  fast  upon  him  with  a  spear,  he  cried 
then  aloud :  I  yield  me  to  thee,  Sir  Launcelot,  honourable 
knight.  But  Sir  Launcelot  would  not  hear  him,  but  came  fast 
upon  him.  King  Mark  saw  that,  and  made  no  defence,  but 
tumbled  adown  out  of  his  saddle  to  the  earth  as  a  sack,  and 
there  he  lay  still,  and  cried  Sir  Launcelot  mercy.  Arise, 
recreant  knight  and  king.  I  will  not  fight,  said  King  Mark, 
but  whither  that  ye  will  I  will  go  with  you.  Alas,  alas,  said 


206  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Sir  Launcelot,  that  I  may  not  give  thee  one  buffet  for  the  love 
of  Sir  Tristram  and  of  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  for  the  two  knights 
that  thou  hast  slain  traitorly.  And  so  he  mounted  upon  his 
horse  and  brought  him  to  King  Arthur ;  and  there  King  Mark 
alighted  in  that  same  place,  and  threw  his  helm  from  him 
upon  the  earth,  and  his  sword,  and  fell  flat  to  the  earth  of 
King  Arthur's  feet,  and  put  him  in  his  grace  and  mercy.  So 
God  me  help,  said  Arthur,  ye  are  welcome  in  a  manner,  and 
in  a  manner  ye  are  not  welcome.  In  this  manner  ye  are 
welcome,  that  ye  come  hither  maugre  thy  head,  as  I  suppose. 
That  is  truth,  said  King  Mark,  and  else  I  had  not  been  here, 
for  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  brought  me  hither  through  his 
fine  force,  and  to  him  am  I  yolden  to  as  recreant.  Well,  said 
Arthur,  ye  understand  ye  ought  to  do  me  service,  homage, 
and  fealty.  And  never  would  ye  do  me  none,  but  ever  ye 
have  been  against  me,  and  a  destroyer  of  my  knights ;  now, 
how  will  ye  acquit  you  ?  Sir,  said  King  Mark,  right  as  your 
lordship  will  require  me,  unto  my  power,  I  will  make  a  large 
amends.  For  he  was  a  fair  speaker,  and  false  thereunder. 
Then  for  great  pleasure  of  Sir  Tristram,  to  make  them  twain 
accorded,  the  king  withheld  King  Mark  as  at  that  time,  and 
made  a  broken  love-day  between  them. 

HOW    KING    ARTHUR     MADE     A    JOUSTING, 
AND   HOW    SIR   LAMORAK   CAME   IN,   AND 
OVERTHREW  SIR  GAWAINE,  AND  HOW  KING 
ARTHUR   MADE   KING  MARK  TO  BE    ACCORDED 
WITH  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  THEY  RODE  TOGETHER 
TO  CORNWALL.     Then  within  three  days  after  the  king 
let  make  a  jousting  at  a  priory.     And  there  made  them  ready 
many  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  for  Sir  Gawaine  and  his 


OF  SIR  LAMORAK  AND   SIR   GAWAINE      207 

brethren  made  them  ready  to  joust ;  but  Tristram,  Launcelot, 
nor  Dinadan,  would  not  joust,  but  suffered  Sir  Gawaine,  for 
the  love  of  King  Arthur,  with  his  brethren,  to  win  the  gree 
if  they  might.  Then  on  the  morn  they  apparelled  them  to 
joust,  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  four  brethren,  and  did  there  great 
deeds  of  arms.  And  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  did  marvellously 
well,  but  Sir  Gawaine  passed  all  that  fellowship ;  wherefore 
King  Arthur  and  all  the  knights  gave  Sir  Gawaine  the  honour 
at  the  beginning. 

Right  so  King  Arthur  was  ware  of  a  knight  and  two  squires, 
the  which  came  out  of  a  forest  side,  with  a  shield  covered 
with  leather,  and  then  he  came  slyly  and  hurtled  here  and 
there,  and  anon  with  one  spear  he  had  smitten  down  two 
knights  of  the  Round  Table.  Then  with  this  hurtling  he 
lost  the  covering  of  his  shield :  then  was  the  king  and  all 
other  ware  that  he  bare  a  red  shield.  See  where  rideth  a  stout 
knight,  said  King  Arthur,  he  with  the  red  shield.  And  there 
was  noise  and  crying :  Beware  the  Knight  with  the  Red 
Shield.  So  within  a  little  while  he  had  overthrown  three 
brethren  of  Sir  Gawaine's.  Truly,  said  King  Arthur,  me- 
seemeth  yonder  is  the  best  jouster  that  ever  I  saw.  With  that 
he  saw  him  encounter  with  Sir  Gawaine,  and  he  smote  him 
down  with  so  great  force  that  he  made  his  horse  to  avoid  the 
saddle.  How  now,  said  the  king,  Sir  Gawaine  hath  a  fall ; 
well  were  me  an  I  knew  what  knight  he  were  with  the  red 
shield.  I  know  him  well,  said  Dinadan,  but  as  at  this  time 
ye  shall  not  know  his  name.  By  my  head,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
he  jousted  better  than  Sir  Palomides,  and  if  ye  list  to  know 
his  name,  wit  ye  well  his  name  is  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis. 

As  they  stood  thus  talking,  Sir  Gawaine  and  he  encountered 
together  again,  and  there  he  smote  Sir  Gawaine  from  his  horse, 


208  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

and  brised  him  sore.  And  in  the  sight  of  King  Arthur  he 
smote  down  twenty  knights,  beside  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  breth- 
ren. And  so  clearly  was  the  prize  given  him  as  a  knight  peer- 
less. Then  slyly  and  marvellously  Sir  Lamorak  withdrew 
him  from  all  the  fellowship  into  the  forest  side.  All  this 
espied  King  Arthur,  for  his  eye  went  never  from  him.  Then 
the  king,  Sir  Launcelot,  Sir  Tristram,  and  Sir  Dinadan,  took 
their  hackneys,  and  rode  straight  after  the  good  knight,  Sir 
Lamorak  de  Galis,  and  there  found  him.  And  thus  said  the 
king :  Ah,  fair  knight,  well  be  ye  found.  When  he  saw  the 
king  he  put  off  his  helm  and  saluted  him,  and  when  he  saw 
Sir  Tristram  he  alighted  down  off  his  horse  and  ran  to  him  to 
take  him  by  the  thighs,  but  Sir  Tristram  would  not  suffer 
him,  but  he  alighted  or  that  he  came,  and  either  took  other 
in  arms,  and  made  great  joy  of  other.  The  king  was  glad, 
and  also  was  all  the  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table,  except 
Sir  Gawaine  and  his  brethren.  And  when  they  wist  that  he 
was  Sir  Lamorak,  they  had  great  despite  at  him,  and  were 
wonderly  wroth  with  him  that  he  had  put  Gawaine  to  dis- 
honour that  day. 

Then  Gawaine  called  privily  in  council  all  his  brethren, 
and  to  them  said  thus :  Fair  brethren,  here  may  ye  see, 
whom  that  we  hate  King  Arthur  loveth,  and  whom  that  we 
love  he  hateth.  And  wit  ye  well,  my  fair  brethren,  that  this 
Sir  Lamorak  will  never  love  us,  because  we  slew  his  father, 
King  Pellinore,  for  we  deemed  that  he  slew  our  father,  King 
of  Orkney.  And  for  the  despite  of  Pellinore,  Sir  Lamorak 
did  us  a  shame  to  our  mother,  therefore  I  will  be  revenged. 
Sir,  said  Sir  Gawaine's  brethren,  let  see  how  ye  will  or  may  be 
revenged,  and  ye  shall  find  us  ready.  Well,  said  Gawaine, 
hold  you  still  and  we  shall  espy  our  time. 


HOW  KING  MARK  WENT  TO  CORNWALL    209 

Now  pass  we  our  matter,  and  leave  we  Sir  Gawaine,  and 
speak  of  King  Arthur,  that  on  a  day  said  unto  King  Mark : 
Sir,  I  pray  you  give  me  a  gift  that  I  shall  ask  you.  Sir,  said 
King  Mark,  I  will  give  you  whatsomever  ye  desire  an  it  be 
in  my  power.  Sir,  gramercy,  said  Arthur.  This  I  will  ask 
you,  that  ye  will  be  good  lord  unto  Sir  Tristram,  for  he  is  a 
man  of  great  honour ;  and  that  ye  will  take  him  with  you 
into  Cornwall,  and  let  him  see  his  friends,  and  there  cherish 
him  for  my  sake.  Sir,  said  King  Mark,  I  promise  you  by  the 
faith  of  my  body,  and  by  the  faith  that  I  owe  to  God  and  to 
you,  I  shall  worship  him  for  your  sake  in  all  that  I  can  or  may. 
Sir,  said  Arthur,  and  I  will  forgive  you  all  the  evil  will  that 
ever  I  owed  you,  an  so  be  that  you  swear  that  upon  a  book 
before  me.  With  a  good  will,  said  King  Mark;  and  so  he 
there  sware  upon  a  book  afore  him  and  all  his  knights,  and 
therewith  King  Mark  and  Sir  Tristram  took  either  other  by 
the  hands  hard  knit  together.  But  for  all  this  King  Mark 
thought  falsely,  as  it  proved  after,  for  he  put  Sir  Tristram  in 
prison,  and  cowardly  would  have  slain  him. 

Then  soon  after  King  Mark  took  his  leave  to  ride  into 
Cornwall,  and  Sir  Tristram  made  him  ready  to  ride  with 
him,  whereof  the  most  part  of  the  Round  Table  were  wroth 
and  heavy,  and  in  especial  Sir  Launcelot,  and  Sir  Lamorak, 
and  Sir  Dinadan,  were  wroth  out  of  measure.  For  well  they 
wist  King  Mark  would  slay  or  destroy  Sir  Tristram.  Alas, 
said  Dinadan,  that  my  lord,  Sir  Tristram,  shall  depart.  And 
Sir  Tristram  took  such  sorrow  that  he  was  amazed  like  a  fool. 
Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot  unto  King  Arthur,  what  have  ye 
done,  for  ye  shall  lose  the  most  man  of  worship  that  ever 
came  into  your  court.  It  was  his  own  desire,  said  Arthur, 
and  therefore  I  might  not  do  withal,  for  I  have  done  all  that 


210  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

I  can  and  made  them  at  accord.  Accord,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
fie  upon  that  accord,  for  ye  shall  hear  that  he  shall  slay  Sir 
Tristram,  or  put  him  in  a  prison,  for  he  is  the  most  coward 
and  the  villainest  king  and  knight  that  is  now  living. 

And  therewith  Sir  Launcelot  departed,  and  came  to  King 
Mark,  and  said  to  him  thus  :  Sir  king,  wit  thou  well  the  good 
knight  Sir  Tristram  shall  go  with  thee.  Beware,  I  rede  thee, 
of  treason,  for  an  thou  mischief  that  knight  by  any  manner 
of  falsehood  or  treason,  by  the  faith  I  owe  to  God  and  to  the 
order  of  knighthood,  I  shall  slay  thee  with  mine  own  hands. 
Sir  Launcelot,  said  the  king,  over-much  have  ye  said  to  me, 
and  I  have  sworn  and  said  over  largely  afore  King  Arthur  in 
hearing  of  all  his  knights,  that  I  shall  not  slay  nor  betray  him. 
It  were  to  me  over-much  shame  to  break  my  promise.  Ye 
say  well,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  but  ye  are  called  so  false  and  full 
of  treason  that  no  man  may  believe  you.  Forsooth  it  is  known 
well  wherefore  ye  came  into  this  country,  and  for  none  other 
cause  but  for  to  slay  Sir  Tristram.  So  with  great  dole  King 
Mark  and  Sir  Tristram  rode  together,  for  it  was  by  Sir  Tris- 
tram's will  and  his  means  to  go  with  King  Mark,  and  all  was 
for  the  intent  to  see  La  Beale  Isoud,  for  without  the  sight  of 
her  Sir  Tristram  might  not  endure. 

HOW    SIR    PERCIVALE    WAS    MADE    KNIGHT 
OF    KING    ARTHUR,    AND    HOW   A    DUMB 
MAID  SPAKE,  AND  BROUGHT  HIM  TO  THE 
ROUND  TABLE.     So  when  King  Mark  and  Sir  Tristram 
were  departed  from  the  court  there  was  made  great  dole  and 
sorrow  for  the  departing  of  Sir  Tristram.     Then  the  king 
and  his  knights  made  no  manner  of  joys  eight  days  after. 
And  at  the  eight  days'  end  there  came  to  the  court  a  knight 


HOW   PERCIVALE  WAS   MADE   KNIGHT      211 

with  a  young  squire  with  him.  And  when  this  knight  was  un- 
armed, he  went  to  the  king  and  required  him  to  make  the  young 
squire  a  knight.  Of  what  lineage  is  he  come  ?  said  King 
Arthur.  Sir,  said  the  knight,  he  is  the  son  of  King  Pellinore, 
that  did  you  some  time  good  service,  and  he  is  a  brother  unto 
Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis,  the  good  knight.  Well,  said  the  king, 
for  what  cause  desire  ye  that  of  me  that  I  should  make  him 
knight  ?  Wit  you  well,  my  lord  the  king,  that  this  young  squire 
is  brother  to  me  as  well  as  to  Sir  Lamorak,  and  my  name  is 
Aglavale.  Sir  Aglavale,  said  Arthur,  for  the  love  of  Sir  Lam- 
orak, and  for  his  father's  love,  he  shall  be  made  knight  to-mor- 
row. Now  tell  me,  said  Arthur,  what  is  his  name  ?  Sir,  said  the 
knight,  his  name  is  Percivale  de  Galis.  So  on  the  morn  the  king 
made  him  knight  in  Camelot.  But  the  king  and  all  the  knights 
thought  it  would  be  long  ere  that  he  proved  a  good  knight. 

Then  at  the  dinner,  when  the  king  was  set  at  the  table, 
and  every  knight  after  he  was  of  prowess,  the  king  com- 
manded him  to  be  set  among  mean  knights ;  and  so  was 
Sir  Percivale  set  as  the  king  commanded.  Then  was  there 
a  maiden  in  the  queen's  court  that  was  come  of  high  blood, 
and  she  was  dumb  and  never  spake  word.  Right  so  she 
came  straight  into  the  hall,  and  went  unto  Sir  Percivale, 
and  took  him  by  the  hand  and  said  aloud,  that  the  king  and 
all  the  knights  might  hear  it :  Arise,  Sir  Percivale,  the  noble 
knight  and  God's  knight,  and  go  with  me ;  and  so  he  did. 
And  there  she  brought  him  to  the  right  side  of  the  Siege 
Perilous,  and  said,  Fair  knight,  take  here  thy  siege,  for  that 
siege  appertaineth  to  thee  and  to  none  other.  Right  so  she 
departed  and  asked  a  priest.  And  as  she  was  confessed  and 
houselled  then  she  died.  Then  the  king  and  all  the  court 
made  great  joy  of  Sir  Percivale. 


212  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

HOW  AT  A  GREAT  FEAST  THAT 
KING  MARK  MADE  AN  HARPER 
CAME  AND  SANG  A  LAY  OF  SIR 
DINADAN'S  AGAINST  KING  MARK. 
Then  there  came  a  knight  out  of  Corn- 
wall, his  name  was  Fergus,  a  fellow  of  the 
Round  Table.  And  there  he  told  the 
king  and  Sir  Launcelot  good  tidings  of 
Sir  Tristram,  and  there  were  brought 
goodly  letters,  and  how  he  left  him  in  the  castle  of  Tintagil. 
Then  came  the  damosel  that  brought  goodly  letters  unto 
King  Arthur  and  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  and  there  she  had  pass- 
ing good  cheer  of  the  king,  and  of  the  Queen  Guenever,  and 
of  Sir  Launcelot.  Then  they  wrote  goodly  letters  again. 
But  Sir  Launcelot  bade  ever  Sir  Tristram  beware  of  King 
Mark,  for  ever  he  called  him  in  his  letters  King  Fox,  as  who 
saith,  he  fareth  all  with  wiles  and  treason.  Whereof  Sir 
Tristram  in  his  heart  thanked  Sir  Launcelot.  Then  the 
damosel  went  unto  La  Beale  Isoud,  and  bare  her  letters 
from  the  king  and  from  Sir  Launcelot,  whereof  she  was  in 
passing  great  joy.  Fair  damosel,  said  La  Beale  Isoud, 
how  fareth  my  Lord  Arthur,  and  the  Queen  Guenever, 
and  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot  ?  She  answered,  and 
to  make  short  tale :  Much  the  better  that  ye  and  Sir 
Tristram  be  in  joy.  God  reward  them,  said  La  Beale 
Isoud,  for  Sir  Tristram  suffereth  great  pain  for  me,  and 
I  for  him. 

So  the  damosel  departed,  and  brought  letters  to  King 
Mark.  And  when  he  had  read  them,  and  understood  them, 
he  was  wroth  with  Sir  Tristram,  for  he  deemed  that  he  had 
sent  the  damosel  unto  King  Arthur.  For  Arthur  and  Launce- 


OF  LETTERS   FROM   KING  MARK  213 

lot  in  a  manner  threated  King  Mark.  And  as  King  Mark 
read  these  letters  he  deemed  treason  by  Sir  Tristram. 

Then  privily  and  secretly  he  sent  letters  unto  King  Arthur, 
and  unto  Queen  Guenever,  and  unto  Sir  Launcelot.  So  the 
varlet  departed,  and  found  the  king  and  the  queen  in  Wales, 
at  Carlion.  And  as  the  king  and  the  queen  were  at  mass  the 
varlet  came  with  the  letters.  And  when  mass  was  done  the 
king  and  the  queen  opened  the  letters  privily  by  themselves. 
And  the  beginning  of  the  king's  letters  spake  wonderly  short 
unto  King  Arthur,  and  bade  him  entermete  with  himself  and 
with  his  wife,  and  of  his  knights ;  for  he  was  able  enough  to 
rule  and  keep  his  wife. 

When  King  Arthur  understood  the  letter,  he  mused  of 
many  things,  and  thought  on  his  sister's  words,  Queen  Mor- 
gan le  Fay,  that  she  had  said  betwixt  Queen  Guenever  and 
Sir  Launcelot.  And  in  this  thought  he  studied  a  great  while. 
Then  he  bethought  him  again  how  his  sister  was  his  own 
enemy,  and  that  she  hated  the  queen  and  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
so  he  put  all  that  out  of  his  thought.  Then  King  Arthur 
read  the  letter  again,  and  the  latter  clause  said  that  King 
Mark  took  Sir  Tristram  for  his  mortal  enemy ;  wherefore  he 
put  Arthur  out  of  doubt  he  would  be  revenged  of  Sir  Tristram. 
Then  was  King  Arthur  wroth  with  King  Mark.  And  when 
Queen  Guenever  read  her  letter  and  understood  it,  she  was 
wroth  out  of  measure,  for  the  letter  spake  shame  by  her  and 
by  Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  privily  she  sent  the  letter  unto 
Sir  Launcelot.  And  when  he  wist  the  intent  of  the  letter  he 
was  so  wroth  that  he  laid  him  down  on  his  bed  to  sleep,  whereof 
Sir  Dinadan  was  ware,  for  it  was  his  manner  to  be  privy  with 
all  good  knights.  And  as  Sir  Launcelot  slept  he  stole  the 
letter  out  of  his  hand,  and  read  it  word  by  word.  And  then 


2i4  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

he  made  great  sorrow  for  anger.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot 
awaked,  and  went  to  a  window,  and  read  the  letter  again, 
the  which  made  him  angry. 

Sir,  said  Dinadan,  wherefore  be  ye  angry  ?  discover  your 
heart  to  me :  forsooth  ye  wot  well  I  owe  you  good  will,  how- 
beit  I  am  a  poor  knight  and  a  servitor  unto  you  and  to  all 
good  knights.  For  though  I  be  not  of  worship  myself  I  love 
all  those  that  be  of  worship.  It  is  truth,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
ye  are  a  trusty  knight,  and  for  great  trust  I  will  shew  you  my 
counsel.  And  when  Dinadan  understood  all,  he  said :  This 
is  my  counsel :  set  you  right  nought  by  these  threats,  for  King 
Mark  is  so  villainous,  that  by  fair  speech  shall  never  man 
get  of  him.  But  ye  shall  see  what  I  shall  do ;  I  will  make  a 
lay  for  him,  and  when  it  is  made  I  shall  make  an  harper  to 
sing  it  afore  him.  So  anon  he  went  and  made  it,  and  taught 
it  an  harper  that  hight  Eliot.  And  when  he  knew  it,  he 
taught  it  to  many  harpers.  And  so  by  the  will  of  Sir  Launce- 
lot, and  of  Arthur,  the  harpers  went  straight  into  Wales,  and 
into  Cornwall,  to  sing  the  lay  that  Sir  Dinadan  made  by  King 
Mark,  the  which  was  the  worst  lay  that  ever  harper  sang  with 
harp  or  with  any  other  instruments. 

And  at  a  great  feast  that  King  Mark  made  came  Eliot 
the  harper  with  the  lay  that  Dinadan  had  made,  and  secretly 
brought  it  unto  Sir  Tristram,  and  told  him  the  lay  that  Dina- 
dan had  made  by  King  Mark.  And  when  Sir  Tristram  heard 
it,  he  said :  That  Dinadan  can  make  wonderly  well  and  ill, 
thereas  it  shall  be.  Sir,  said  Eliot,  dare  I  sing  this  song  afore 
King  Mark  ?  Yea,  on  my  peril,  said  Sir  Tristram,  for  I  shall 
be  thy  warrant.  Then  at  the  meat  came  in  Eliot  the  harper, 
and  because  he  was  a  curious  harper  men  heard  him  sing 
the  same  lay  that  Dinadan  had  made,  the  which  spake  the 


OF   KING  MARK  AND   SIR   DINADAN'S  LAY    215 

most  villainy  by  King  Mark  of  his  treason  that   ever  man 
heard. 

When  the  harper  had  sung  his  song  to  the  end  King  Mark 
was  wonderly  wroth,  and  said  :  Thou  harper,  how  durst  thou 
be  so  bold  on  thy  head  to  sing  this  song  afore  me.  Sir,  said 
Eliot,  wit  you  well  I  am  a  minstrel,  and  I  must  do  as  I  am 
commanded  of  these  lords  that  I  bear  the  arms  of.  And  sir, 
wit  ye  well  that  Sir  Dinadan,  a  knight  of  the  Table  Round, 
made  this  song,  and  made  me  to  sing  it  afore  you.  Thou 
sayest  well,  said  King  Mark,  and  because  thou  art  a  minstrel 
thou  shalt  go  quit,  but  I  charge  thee  hie  thee  fast  out  of  my 
sight.  So  the  harper  departed  and  went  to  Sir  Tristram,  and 
told  him  how  he  had  sped.  Then  Sir  Tristram  let  make 
letters  as  goodly  as  he  could  to  Launcelot  and  to  Sir  Dinadan. 
And  so  he  let  conduct  the  harper  out  of  the  country.  But 
to  say  that  King  Mark  was  wonderly  wroth,  he  was,  for  he 
deemed  that  the  lay  that  was  sung  afore  him  was  made  by 
Sir  Tristram's  counsel,  wherefore  he  thought  to  slay  him  and 
all  his  well-willers  in  that  country. 

HOW  BY  TREASON  SIR  TRISTRAM  WAS 
BROUGHT  TO  A  TOURNAMENT  FOR  TO 
HAVE  BEEN  SLAIN,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS  PUT 
IN  PRISON,  AND  HOW  HE  AND  LA  BEALE  ISOUD 
CAME  TO  ENGLAND  AND  WERE  LODGED  BY  SIR 
LAUNCELOT  AT  JOYOUS  CARD.  Then  there  was  cried 
by  the  coasts  of  Cornwall  a  great  tournament  and  jousts,  and 
all  was  done  by  Sir  Galahalt  the  haut  prince  and  King  Bagde- 
magus,  to  the  intent  to  slay  Launcelot,  or  else  utterly  destroy 
him  and  shame  him,  because  Sir  Launcelot  had  always  the 
higher  degree ;  therefore  this  prince  and  this  king  made  this 


216  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

jousts  against  Sir  Launcelot.  And  thus  their  counsel  was 
discovered  unto  King  Mark,  whereof  he  was  full  glad. 

Then  King  Mark  bethought  him  that  he  would  have 
Sir  Tristram  unto  that  tournament  disguised  that  no  man 
should  know  him,  to  that  intent  that  the  haut  prince  should 
ween  that  Sir  Tristram  were  Sir  Launcelot.  So  at  these 
jousts  came  in  Sir  Tristram.  And  at  that  time  Sir  Launcelot 
was  not  there,  but  when  they  saw  a  knight  disguised  do  such 
deeds  of  arms,  they  weened  it  had  been  Sir  Launcelot.  And 
in  especial  King  Mark  said  it  was  Sir  Launcelot  plainly. 
Then  they  set  upon  him,  both  King  Bagdemagus,  and  the 
haut  prince,  and  their  knights,  that  it  was  wonder  that  ever 
Sir  Tristram  might  endure  that  pain.  Notwithstanding  for 
all  the  pain  that  he  had,  Sir  Tristram  won  the  degree  at  that 
tournament,  and  there  he  hurt  many  knights  and  brised  them, 
and  they  hurt  him  and  brised  him  wonderly  sore.  So  when 
the  jousts  were  all  done  they  knew  well  that  it  was  Sir  Tris- 
tram de  Liones  ;  and  all  that  were  on  King  Mark's  party  were 
glad  that  Sir  Tristram  was  hurt,  and  the  remnant  were  sorry 
of  his  hurt ;  for  Sir  Tristram  was  not  so  behated  as  was  Sir 
Launcelot  within  the  realm  of  England. 

Then  came  King  Mark  unto  Sir  Tristram  and  said :  Fair 
nephew,  I  am  sorry  of  your  hurts.  Gramercy  my  lord,  said 
Sir  Tristram.  Then  King  Mark  made  Sir  Tristram  to  be  put 
in  an  horse  bier  in  great  sign  of  love,  and  said :  Fair  cousin, 
I  shall  be  your  leech  myself.  And  so  he  rode  forth  with  Sir 
Tristram,  and  brought  him  to  a  castle  by  daylight.  And 
then  King  Mark  made  Sir  Tristram  to  eat.  And  then  after 
he  gave  him  a  drink,  the  which  as  soon  as  he  had  drunk  he 
fell  asleep.  And  when  it  was  night  he  made  him  to  be  carried 
to  another  castle,  and  there  he  put  him  in  a  strong  prison,  and 


HOW  TRISTRAM  CAME  TO  ENGLAND       217 

there  he  ordained  a  man  and  a  woman  to  give  him  his  meat 
and  drink.  So  there  he  was  a  great  while. 

When  Queen  Isoud  understood  that  Sir  Tristram  was  in 
prison  she  made  as  great  sorrow  as  ever  made  lady  or  gentle- 
woman. Then  Sir  Tristram  sent  a  letter  unto  La  Beale 
Isoud,  and  prayed  her  to  be  his  good  lady ;  and  if  it  pleased 
her  to  make  a  vessel  ready  for  her  and  him,  he  would  go  with 
her  unto  the  realm  of  Logris,  that  is  this  land.  When  La 
Beale  Isoud  understood  Sir  Tristram's  letters  and  his  intent, 
she  sent  him  another,  and  bade  him  be  of  good  comfort,  for 
she  would  do  make  the  vessel  ready,  and  all  thing  to  purpose. 

Then  La  Beale  Isoud  sent  unto  Sir  Dinas,  and  to  Sadok, 
and  prayed  them  in  anywise  to  take  King  Mark,  and  put 
him  in  prison,  unto  the  time  that  she  and  Sir  Tristram  were 
departed  unto  the  realm  of  Logris.  When  Sir  Dinas  the 
Seneschal  understood  the  treason  of  King  Mark  he  promised 
her  again,  and  sent  her  word  that  King  Mark  should  be  put 
in  prison.  And  as  they  devised  it  so  it  was  done.  And  then 
Sir  Tristram  was  delivered  out  of  prison ;  and  anon  in  all 
the  haste  Queen  Isoud  and  Sir  Tristram  went  and  took  their 
counsel  with  that  they  would  have  with  them  when  they 
departed. 

Then  La  Beale  Isoud  and  Sir  Tristram  took  their  vessel, 
and  came  by  water  into  this  land.  And  so  they  were  not 
in  this  land  four  days  but  there  came  a  cry  of  a  jousts  and 
tournament  that  King  Arthur  let  make.  When  Sir  Tristram 
heard  tell  of  that  tournament  he  disguised  himself,  and  La 
Beale  Isoud,  and  rode  unto  that  tournament.  And  when  he 
came  there  he  saw  many  knights  joust  and  tourney;  and  so 
Sir  Tristram  dressed  him  to  the  range,  and  to  make  short 
conclusion,  he  overthrew  fourteen  knights  of  the  Round 


218  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Table.  When  Sir  Launcelot  saw  these  knights  thus  over- 
thrown, Sir  Launcelot  dressed  him  to  Sir  Tristram.  That 
saw  La  Beale  Isoud  how  Sir  Launcelot  was  come  into  the 
field.  Then  La  Beale  Isoud  sent  unto  Sir  Launcelot  a  ring, 
and  bade  him  wit  that  it  was  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones.  When 
Sir  Launcelot  understood  that  there  was  Sir  Tristram  he  was 
full  glad,  and  would  not  joust.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  espied 
whither  Sir  Tristram  went,  and  after  him  he  rode ;  and  then 
either  made  of  other  great  joy.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot  brought 
Sir  Tristram  and  La  Beale  Isoud  unto  Joyous  Card,  that  was 
his  own  castle,  that  he  had  won  with  his  own  hands.  And 
there  Sir  Launcelot  put  them  in  to  wield  for  their  own.  And 
wit  ye  well  that  castle  was  garnished  and  furnished  for  a  king 
and  a  queen  royal  there  to  have  sojourned.  And  Sir  Launcelot 
charged  all  his  people  to  honour  them  and  love  them  as  they 
would  do  himself. 

So  Sir  Launcelot  departed  unto  King  Arthur ;  and  then 
he  told  Queen  Guenever  how  he  that  jousted  so  well  at  the 
last  tournament  was  Sir  Tristram.  And  there  he  told  her 
how  he  had  with  him  La  Beale  Isoud  maugre  King  Mark, 
and  so  Queen  Guenever  told  all  this  unto  King  Arthur.  When 
King  Arthur  wist  that  Sir  Tristram  was  escaped  and  come 
from  King  Mark,  and  had  brought  La  Beale  Isoud  with  him, 
then  was  he  passing  glad.  So  because  of  Sir  Tristram  King 
Arthur  let  make  a  cry,  that  on  May  Day  should  be  a  jousts 
before  the  castle  of  Lonazep ;  and  that  castle  was  fast  by 
Joyous  Gard.  And  thus  Arthur  devised,  that  all  the  knights 
of  this  land,  and  of  Cornwall,  and  of  North  Wales,  should 
joust  against  all  these  countries,  Ireland,  Scotland,  and  the 
remnant  of  Wales,  and  the  country  of  Gore,  and  Surluse,  and 
of  Listinoise,  and  they  of  Northumberland,  and  all  they  that 


HOW  TRISTRAM  ABODE  AT  JOYOUS  CARD    219 

held  lands  of  Arthur  on  this  half  the  sea.  When  this  cry  was 
made  many  knights  were  glad  and  many  were  unglad.  Sir, 
said  Launcelot  unto  Arthur,  by  this  cry  that  ye  have  made 
ye  will  put  us  that  be  about  you  in  great  jeopardy,  for  there 
be  many  knights  that  have  great  envy  to  us ;  therefore  when 
we  shall  meet  at  the  day  of  jousts  there  will  be  hard  shift 
among  us.  As  for  that,  said  Arthur,  I  care  not ;  there  shall 
we  prove  who  shall  be  best  of  his  hands.  So  when  Sir  Launce- 
lot understood  wherefore  King  Arthur  made  this  jousting,  then 
he  made  such  purveyance  that  La  Beale  Isoud  should  behold 
the  jousts  in  a  secret  place  that  was  honest  for  her  estate. 

Now  turn  we  unto  Sir  Tristram  and  to  La  Beale  Isoud, 
how  they  made  great  joy  daily  together  with  all  manner  of 
mirths  that  they  could  devise ;  and  every  day  Sir  Tristram 
would  go  ride  a-hunting,  for  Sir  Tristram  was  that  time  called 
the  best  chaser  of  the  world,  and  the  noblest  blower  of  an  horn 
of  all  manner  of  measures  ;  for  as  books  report,  of  Sir  Tristram 
came  all  the  good  terms  of  venery  and  hunting,  and  all  the 
sizes  and  measures  of  blowing  of  an  horn  ;  and  of  him  we  had 
first  all  the  terms  of  hawking,  and  which  were  beasts  of  chase 
and  beasts  of  venery,  and  which  were  vermins,  and  all  the  blasts 
that  long  to  all  manner  of  games.  First  to  the  uncoupling, 
to  the  seeking,  to  the  rechate,  to  the  flight,  to  the  death,  and 
to  strake,  and  many  other  blasts  and  terms,  that  all  manner 
of  gentlemen  have  cause  to  the  world's  end  to  praise  Sir  Tris- 
tram, and  to  pray  for  his  soul. 


220  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

HOW  BY  THE  COUNSEL  OF  LA  BEALE 
ISOUD  SIR  TRISTRAM  RODE  ARMED,  AND 
HOW  HE  MET  WITH  SIR  PALOMIDES,  AND 
SIR  BREUSE  SAUNCE  PITE  BEGUILED 
THREE  GOOD  KNIGHTS.  So  on  a  day  La 
Beale  Isoud  said  unto  Sir  Tristram :  I  marvel  me 
much,  said  she,  that  ye  remember  not  yourself, 
how  ye  be  here  in  a  strange  country,  and  here  be 
many  perilous  knights ;  and  well  ye  wot  that  King 
Mark  is  full  of  treason ;  and  that  ye  will  ride  thus  to  chase 
and  to  hunt  unarmed ;  ye  might  be  destroyed.  My  fair  lady 
and  my  love,  I  cry  you  mercy,  I  will  no  more  do  so.  So  then 
Sir  Tristram  rode  daily  a-hunting  armed,  and  his  men  bear- 
ing his  shield  and  his  spear.  So  on  a  day  a  little  afore  the 
month  of  May,  Sir  Tristram  chased  an  hart  passing  eagerly, 
and  so  the  hart  passed  by  a  fair  well.  And  then  Sir  Tristram 
alighted  and  put  off  his  helm  to  drink  of  that  burbly  water. 
Right  so  he  heard  and  saw  the  Questing  Beast  come  to  the 
well.  When  Sir  Tristram  saw  that  beast  he  put  on  his  helm, 
for  he  deemed  he  should  hear  of  Sir  Palomides,  for  that  beast 
was  his  quest.  Right  so  Sir  Tristram  saw  where  came  a 
knight  armed,  upon  a  noble  courser,  and  he  saluted  him, 
and  they  spake  of  many  things ;  and  this  knight's  name  was 
Breuse  Saunce  Pite.  And  right  so  withal  there  came  unto 
them  the  noble  knight  Sir  Palomides,  and  either  saluted 
other,  and  spake  fair  to  other. 

Fair  knights,  said  Sir  Palomides,  I  can  tell  you  tidings. 
What  is  that  ?  said  those  knights.  Sirs,  wit  ye  well  that 
King  Mark  is  put  in  prison  by  his  own  knights,  and  all  was 
for  love  of  Sir  Tristram  ;  for  King  Mark  had  put  Sir  Tristram 
in  prison,  and  Queen  La  Beale  Isoud  delivered  him,  and  went 


OF   SIR   BREUSE   SAUNCE   PITE  221 

clearly  away  with  him  into  this  realm ;  and  all  this  while 
King  Mark,  the  false  traitor,  is  in  prison.  Is  this  truth  ? 
said  Palomides ;  then  shall  we  hastily  hear  of  Sir  Tristram. 
And  as  for  to  say  that  I  love  La  Beale  Isoud  I  dare  make  good 
that  I  do,  and  that  she  hath  my  service  above  all  other  ladies, 
and  shall  have  the  term  of  my  life. 

And  right  so  as  they  stood  talking  they  saw  afore  them 
where  came  a  knight  all  armed,  on  a  great  horse,  and  one 
of  his  men  bare  his  shield,  and  the  other  his  spear.  And 
anon  as  that  knight  espied  them  he  gat  his  shield  and  his 
spear  and  dressed  him  to  joust.  Fair  fellows,  said  Sir  Tris- 
tram, yonder  is  a  knight  will  joust  with  us,  let  see  which  of 
us  shall  encounter  with  him,  for  I  see  well  he  is  of  the  court 
of  King  Arthur.  It  shall  not  be  long  or  he  be  met  withal, 
said  Sir  Palomides,  for  I  found  never  no  knight  in  my  quest 
of  this  glasting  beast,  but  an  he  would  joust  I  never  refused 
him.  As  well  may  I,  said  Breuse  Saunce  Pite,  follow  that 
beast  as  ye.  Then  shall  ye  do  battle  with  me,  said  Palomides. 

So  Sir  Palomides  dressed  him  unto  that  other  knight, 
Sir  Bleoberis,  that  was  a  full  noble  knight,  nigh  kin  unto 
Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  they  met  so  hard  that  Sir  Palomides 
fell  to  the  earth,  horse  and  all.  Then  Sir  Bleoberis  cried  aloud 
and  said  thus :  Make  thee  ready  thou  false  traitor  knight, 
Breuse  Saunce  Pite,  for  wit  thou  certainly  I  will  have  ado 
with  thee  to  the  utterance  for  the  noble  knights  and  ladies 
that  thou  hast  falsely  betrayed.  When  this  false  knight  and 
traitor,  Breuse  Saunce  Pite,  heard  him  say  so,  he  took  his  horse 
by  the  bridle  and  fled  his  way  as  fast  as  ever  his  horse  might 
run,  for  sore  he  was  of  him  afeard.  When  Sir  Bleoberis  saw 
him  flee  he  followed  fast  after,  through  thick  and  through 
thin.  And  by  fortune  as  Sir  Breuse  fled,  he  saw  even  afore 


222  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

him  three  knights  of  the  Table  Round,  of  the  which  the  one 
hight  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  the  other  hight  Sir  Percivale  de 
Galis,  the  third  hight  Sir  Harry  le  Fise  Lake,  a  good  knight 
and  an  hardy.  And  as  for  Sir  Percivale,  he  was  called  that 
time  of  his  time  one  of  the  best  knights  of  the  world,  and 
the  best  assured.  When  Breuse  saw  these  knights  he  rode 
straight  unto  them,  and  cried  unto  them  and  prayed  them  of 
rescues.  What  need  have  ye  ?  said  Sir  Ector.  Ah,  fair 
knights,  said  Sir  Breuse,  here  followeth  me  the  most  traitor 
knight,  and  most  coward,  and  most  of  villainy ;  his  name  is 
Breuse  Saunce  Pite,  and  if  he  may  get  me  he  will  slay  me 
without  mercy  and  pity.  Abide  with  us,  said  Sir  Percivale, 
and  we  shall  warrant  you. 

Then  were  they  ware  of  Sir  Bleoberis  that  came  riding 
all  that  he  might.  Then  Sir  Ector  put  himself  forth  to  joust 
afore  them  all.  When  Sir  Bleoberis  saw  that  they  were  four 
knights  and  he  but  himself,  he  stood  in  a  doubt  whether  he 
would  turn  or  hold  his  way.  Then  he  said  to  himself:  I  am 
a  knight  of  the  Table  Round,  and  rather  than  I  should  shame 
mine  oath  and  my  blood  I  will  hold  my  way  whatsoever  fall 
thereof.  And  then  Sir  Ector  dressed  his  spear,  and  smote 
either  other  passing  sore,  but  Sir  Ector  fell  to  the  earth. 
That  saw  Sir  Percivale,  and  he  dressed  his  horse  toward  him 
all  that  he  might  drive,  but  Sir  Percivale  had  such  a  stroke 
that  horse  and  man  fell  to  the  earth.  When  Sir  Harry  saw 
that  they  were  both  to  the  earth  then  he  said  to  himself: 
Never  was  Breuse  of  such  prowess.  So  Sir  Harry  dressed 
his  horse,  and  they  met  together  so  strongly  that  both  the 
horses  and  knights  fell  to  the  earth,  but  Sir  Bleoberis'  horse 
began  to  recover  again.  That  saw  Breuse  and  he  came 
hurtling,  and  smote  him  over  and  over,  and  would  have  slain 


OF  SIR   BREUSE  SAUNCE   PITE  223 

him  as  he  lay  on  the  ground.  Then  Sir  Harry  le  Fise  Lake 
arose  lightly,  and  took  the  bridle  of  Sir  Breuse's  horse,  and 
said :  Fie  for  shame !  strike  never  a  knight  when  he  is  at 
the  earth,  for  this  knight  may  be  called  no  shameful  knight 
of  his  deeds,  for  yet  as  men  may  see  thereas  he  lieth  on  the 
ground  he  hath  done  worshipfully,  and  put  to  the  worse  pass- 
ing good  knights.  Therefore  will  I  not  let,  said  Sir  Breuse. 
Thou  shalt  not  choose,  said  Sir  Harry,  as  at  this  time.  Then 
when  Sir  Breuse  saw  that  he  might  not  choose  nor  have  his 
will  he  spake  fair.  Then  Sir  Harry  let  him  go.  And  then 
anon  he  made  his  horse  to  run  over  Sir  Bleoberis,  and  rashed 
him  to  the  earth  like  if  he  would  have  slain  him.  When  Sir 
Harry  saw  him  do  so  villainously  he  cried :  Traitor  knight, 
leave  off  for  shame.  And  as  Sir  Harry  would  have  taken 
his  horse  to  fight  with  Sir  Breuse,  then  Sir  Breuse  ran  upon 
him  as  he  was  half  upon  his  horse,  and  smote  him  down,  horse 
and  man,  to  the  earth,  and  had  near  slain  Sir  Harry,  the  good 
knight.  That  saw  Sir  Percivale,  and  then  he  cried :  Traitor 
knight,  what  dost  thou  ?  And  when  Sir  Percivale  was  upon 
his  horse  Sir  Breuse  took  his  horse  and  fled  all  that  ever  he 
might,  and  Sir  Percivale  and  Sir  Harry  followed  after  him 
fast,  but  ever  the  longer  they  chased  the  farther  were  they 
behind. 

Then  they  turned  again  and  came  to  Sir  Ector  de  Maris 
and  to  Sir  Bleoberis.  Ah,  fair  knights,  said  Bleoberis,  why 
have  ye  succoured  that  false  knight  and  traitor  ?  Why, 
said  Sir  Harry,  what  knight  is  he  ?  for  well  I  wot  it  is  a  false 
knight,  said  Sir  Harry,  and  a  coward  and  a  felonious  knight. 
Sir,  said  Bleoberis,  he  is  the  most  coward  knight,  and  a  de- 
vourer  of  ladies  and  a  destroyer  of  good  knights,  and  especially 
of  Arthur's.  What  is  your  name  ?  said  Sir  Ector.  My  name 


224  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

is  Sir  Bleoberis  de  Ganis.  Alas,  fair  cousin,  said  Ector,  for- 
give it  me,  for  I  am  Sir  Ector  de  Maris.  Then  Sir  Percivale 
and  Sir  Harry  made  great  joy  that  they  met  with  Bleoberis, 
but  all  they  were  heavy  that  Sir  Breuse  was  escaped  them, 
whereof  they  made  great  dole. 

Right  so  as  they  stood  thus  there  came  Sir  Palomides, 
and  when  he  saw  the  shield  of  Bleoberis  lie  on  the  earth, 
then  said  Palomides  :  He  that  oweth  that  shield  let  him  dress 
him  to  me,  for  he  smote  me  down  here  fast  by  at  a  fountain, 
and  therefore  I  will  fight  with  him  on  foot.  I  am  ready, 
said  Bleoberis,  here  to  answer  thee,  for  wit  thou  well,  sir 
knight,  it  was  I,  and  my  name  is  Bleoberis  de  Ganis.  Well 
art  thou  met,  said  Palomides,  and  wit  thou  well  my  name  is 
Palomides  the  Saracen ;  and  either  of  them  hated  other  to 
the  death.  Sir  Palomides,  said  Ector,  wit  thou  well  there  is 
neither  thou  nor  none  knight  that  beareth  the  life  that  slayeth 
any  of  our  blood  but  he  shall  die  for  it ;  therefore  an  thou 
list  to  fight  go  seek  Sir  Launcelot  or  Sir  Tristram,  and  there 
shall  ye  find  your  match.  With  them  have  I  met,  said  Palo- 
mides, but  I  had  never  no  worship  of  them.  Was  there  never 
no  manner  of  knight,  said  Sir  Ector,  but  they  that  ever  matched 
with  you  ?  Yes,  said  Palomides,  there  was  the  third,  a  good 
knight  as  any  of  them,  and  of  his  age  he  was  the  best  that 
ever  I  found ;  for  an  he  might  have  lived  till  he  had  been  an 
hardier  man  there  liveth  no  knight  now  such,  and  his  name 
was  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis.  And  as  he  had  jousted  at  a  tour- 
nament there  he  overthrew  me  and  thirty  knights  more,  and 
there  he  won  the  degree.  And  at  his  departing  there  met  him 
Sir  Gawaine  and  his  brethren,  and  with  great  pain  they 
slew  him  feloniously,  unto  all  good  knights'  great  damage. 
Anon  as  Sir  Percivale  heard  that  his  brother  was  dead,  Sir 


HOW  DINADAN  MOCKED  AT  LOVERS       225 

Lamorak,  he  fell  over  his  horse's  mane  swooning,  and  there 
he  made  the  greatest  dole  that  ever  made  knight.  And  when 
Sir  Percivale  arose  he  said  :  Alas,  my  good  and  noble  brother 
Sir  Lamorak,  now  shall  we  never  meet,  and  I  trow  in  all  the 
wide  world  a  man  may  not  find  such  a  knight  as  he  was  of 
his  age  ;  and  it  is  too  much  to  suffer  the  death  of  our  father 
King  Pellinore,  and  now  the  death  of  our  good  brother  Sir 
Lamorak. 

Then  in  the  meanwhile  there  came  a  varlet  from  the 
court  of  King  Arthur,  and  told  them  of  the  great  tourna- 
ment that  should  be  at  Lonazep,  and  how  these  lands,  Corn- 
wall and  Northgalis,  should  be  against  all  them  that  would 
come. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  MET  WITH  SIR  DINA- 
DAN, AND  OF  THEIR  DEVICES,  AND  HOW 
SIR  DINADAN  WAS  SENT  FOR  BY  LA  BEALE 
ISOUD,  AND  HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  IN  JOUSTING 
WITH  SIR  PALOMIDES  WAS  KNOWN  BY  SIR  DINA- 
DAN. Now  turn  we  unto  Sir  Tristram,  that  as  he  rode 
a-hunting  he  met  with  Sir  Dinadan,  that  was  come  into  that 
country  to  seek  Sir  Tristram.  Then  Sir  Dinadan  told  Sir 
Tristram  his  name,  but  Sir  Tristram  would  not  tell  him  his 
name,  wherefore  Sir  Dinadan  was  wroth.  For  such  a  foolish 
knight  as  ye  are,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  I  saw  but  late  this  day 
lying  by  a  well,  and  he  fared  as  he  slept ;  and  there  he  lay 
like  a  fool  grinning,  and  would  not  speak,  and  his  shield  lay 
by  him,  and  his  horse  stood  by  him ;  and  well  I  wot  he  was  a 
lover.  Ah,  fair  sir,  said  Sir  Tristram,  are  ye  not  a  lover  ? 
Mary,  fie  on  that  craft !  said  Sir  Dinadan.  That  is  evil 
said,  said  Sir  Tristram,  for  a  knight  may  never  be  of  prowess 


226  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

but  if  he  be  a  lover.  It  is  well  said,  said  Sir  Dinadan ;  now 
tell  me  your  name,  sith  ye  be  a  lover,  or  else  I  shall  do  battle 
with  you.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Tristram,  it  is  no  reason  to 
fight  with  me  but  I  tell  you  my  name ;  and  as  for  that  my 
name  shall  ye  not  wit  as  at  this  time.  Fie  for  shame,  said 
Dinadan,  art  thou  a  knight  and  durst  not  tell  thy  name  to 
me  ?  therefore  I  will  fight  with  thee.  As  for  that,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  I  will  be  advised,  for  I  will  not  do  battle  but  if  me 
list.  And  if  I  do  battle,  said  Sir  Tristram,  ye  are  not  able 
to  withstand  me.  Fie  on  thee,  coward,  said  Sir  Dinadan. 

And  thus  as  they  hoved  still,  they  saw  a  knight  come 
riding  against  them.  Lo,  said  Sir  Tristram,  see  where  cometh 
a  knight  riding,  will  joust  with  you.  Anon,  as  Sir  Dinadan 
beheld  him  he  said :  That  is  the  same  doted  knight  that  I 
saw  lie  by  the  well,  neither  sleeping  nor  waking.  Well,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  I  know  that  knight  well  with  the  covered  shield 
of  azure,  he  is  the  king's  son  of  Northumberland,  his  name 
is  Epinegris ;  and  he  is  as  great  a  lover  as  I  know,  and  he 
loveth  the  king's  daughter  of  Wales,  a  full  fair  lady.  And 
now  I  suppose,  said  Sir  Tristram,  an  ye  require  him  he  will 
joust  with  you,  and  then  shall  ye  prove  whether  a  lover  be 
a  better  knight,  or  ye  that  will  not  love  no  lady.  Well,  said 
Dinadan,  now  shalt  thou  see  what  I  shall  do.  Therewithal 
Sir  Dinadan  spake  on  high  and  said :  Sir  knight,  make  thee 
ready  to  joust  with  me,  for  it  is  the  custom  of  errant  knights 
one  to  joust  with  other.  Sir,  said  Epinegris,  is  that  the  rule 
of  you  errant  knights  for  to  make  a  knight  to  joust,  will  he 
or  nill  ?  As  for  that,  said  Dinadan,  make  thee  ready,  for  here 
is  for  me.  And  therewithal  they  spurred  their  horses  and  met 
together  so  hard  that  Epinegris  smote  down  Sir  Dinadan. 
Then  Sir  Tristram  rode  to  Sir  Dinadan  and  said :  How  now, 


OF  LA  BEALE  ISOUD  AND  SIR  DINADAN    227 

meseemeth  the  lover  hath  well  sped.  Fie  on  thee,  coward, 
said  Sir  Dinadan,  and  if  thou  be  a  good  knight  revenge  me. 
Nay,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  not  joust  as  at  this  time,  but  take 
your  horse  and  let  us  go  hence.  Defend  me,  said  Sir  Dina- 
dan, from  thy  fellowship,  for  I  never  sped  well  since  I  met 
with  thee :  and  so  they  departed.  Well,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
peradventure  I  could  tell  you  tidings  of  Sir  Tristram.  God 
defend  me,  said  Dinadan,  from  thy  fellowship,  for  Sir  Tris- 
tram were  mickle  the  worse  an  he  were  in  thy  company : 
and  then  they  departed.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram,  yet  it  may 
happen  I  shall  meet  with  you  in  other  places. 

So  rode  Sir  Tristram  unto  Joyous  Card,  and  told  La 
Beale  Isoud  of  all  his  adventure,  as  ye  have  heard  to-fore. 
And  when  she  heard  him  tell  of  Sir  Dinadan :  Sir,  said  she, 
is  not  that  he  that  made  the  song  by  King  Mark  ?  That  same 
is  he,  said  Sir  Tristram,  for  he  is  the  best  bourder  and  japer, 
and  a  noble  knight  of  his  hands,  and  the  best  fellow  that  I 
know,  and  all  good  knights  love  his  fellowship.  Alas,  sir, 
said  she,  why  brought  ye  not  him  with  you  ?  Have  ye  no 
care,  said  Sir  Tristram,  for  he  rideth  to  seek  me  in  this  country ; 
and  therefore  he  will  not  away  till  he  have  met  with  me. 
And  there  Sir  Tristram  told  La  Beale  Isoud  how  Sir  Dinadan 
held  against  all  lovers.  Right  so  there  came  in  a  varlet  and 
told  Sir  Tristram  how  there  was  come  an  errant  knight  into 
the  town,  with  such  colours  upon  his  shield.  That  is  Sir 
Dinadan,  said  Sir  Tristram;  wit  ye  what  ye  shall  do,  said 
Sir  Tristram :  send  ye  for  him,  my  Lady  Isoud,  and  I 
will  not  be  seen,  and  ye  shall  hear  the  merriest  knight  that 
ever  ye  spake  withal,  and  the  maddest  talker;  and  I  pray 
you  heartily  that  ye  make  him  good  cheer. 

Then  anon  La  Beale  Isoud  sent  into  the  town,  and  prayed 


228  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

Sir  Dinadan  that  he  would  come  into  the  castle  and  repose 
him  there  with  a  lady.  With  a  good  will,  said  Sir  Dinadan ; 
and  so  he  mounted  upon  his  horse  and  rode  into  the  castle ; 
and  there  he  alighted,  and  was  unarmed,  and  brought  into 
the  castle.  Anon  La  Beale  Isoud  came  unto  him,  and  either 
saluted  other ;  then  she  asked  him  of  whence  that  he  was. 
Madam,  said  Dinadan,  I  am  of  the  court  of  King  Arthur, 
and  knight  of  the  Table  Round,  and  my  name  is  Sir  Dinadan. 
What  do  ye  in  this  country  ?  said  La  Beale  Isoud.  Madam, 
said  he,  I  seek  Sir  Tristram  the  good  knight,  for  it  was  told 
me  that  he  was  in  this  country.  It  may  well  be,  said  La 
Beale  Isoud,  but  I  am  not  ware  of  him.  Madam,  said  Dina- 
dan, I  marvel  of  Sir  Tristram  and  mo  other  lovers,  what 
aileth  them  to  be  so  mad  and  so  sotted  upon  women.  Why, 
said  La  Beale  Isoud,  are  ye  a  knight  and  be  no  lover  ?  it  is 
shame  to  you  :  wherefore  ye  may  not  be  called  a  good  knight 
but  if  ye  make  a  quarrel  for  a  lady.  Defend  me,  said  Dina- 
dan, for  the  joy  of  love  is  too  short,  and  the  sorrow  thereof, 
and  what  cometh  thereof,  dureth  over  long.  Ah,  said  La 
Beale  Isoud,  say  ye  not  so,  for  here  fast  by  was  the  good 
knight  Sir  Bleoberis,  that  fought  with  three  knights  at  once 
for  a  damosers  sake,  and  he  won  her  afore  the  King  of  North- 
umberland. It  was  so,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  for  I  know  him  well 
for  a  good  knight  and  a  noble,  and  come  of  noble  blood  ;  for 
all  be  noble  knights  of  whom  he  is  come  of,  that  is  Sir  Launce- 
lot  du  Lake. 

Now  I  pray  you,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  tell  me  will  you 
fight  for  my  love  with  three  knights  that  do  me  great  wrong  ? 
and  insomuch  as  ye  be  a  knight  of  King  Arthur's  I  require 
you  to  do  battle  for  me.  Then  Sir  Dinadan  said :  I  shall 
say  you  ye  be  as  fair  a  lady  as  ever  I  saw  any,  and  much 


HOW  SIR   DINADAN  MET  SIR  TRISTRAM    229 

fairer  than  is  my  lady  Queen  Guenever,  but  wit  ye  well  at 
one  word,  I  will  not  fight  for  you  with  three  knights.  Then 
Isoud  laughed,  and  had  good  game  at  him.  So  he  had  all 
the  cheer  that  she  might  make  him,  and  there  he  lay  all  that 
night.  And  on  the  morn  early  Sir  Tristram  armed  him,  and 
La  Beale  Isoud  gave  him  a  good  helm ;  and  then  he  promised 
her  that  he  would  meet  with  Sir  Dinadan,  and  they  two  would 
ride  together  into  Lonazep,  where  the  tournament  should  be : 
And  there  shall  I  make  ready  for  you  where  ye  shall  see  the 
tournament.  Then  departed  Sir  Tristram  with  two  squires 
that  bare  his  shield  and  his  spears  that  were  great  and  long. 

Then  after  that  Sir  Dinadan  departed,  and  rode  his  way 
a  great  pace  until  he  had  overtaken  Sir  Tristram.  And  when 
Sir  Dinadan  had  overtaken  him  he  knew  him  anon,  and  he 
hated  the  fellowship  of  him  above  all  other  knights.  Ah, 
said  Sir  Dinadan,  art  thou  that  coward  knight  that  I  met 
with  yesterday  ?  keep  thee,  for  thou  shalt  joust  with  me 
maugre  thy  head.  Well,  said  Sir  Tristram,  and  I  am  loath 
to  joust.  And  so  they  let  their  horses  run,  and  Sir  Tristram 
missed  of  him  a-purpose,  and  Sir  Dinadan  brake  a  spear  upon 
Sir  Tristram,  and  therewith  Sir  Dinadan  dressed  him  to  draw 
out  his  sword.  Not  so,  said  Sir  Tristram,  why  are  ye  so 
wroth  ?  I  will  not  fight.  Fie  on  thee,  coward,  said  Dinadan, 
thou  shamest  all  knights.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I 
care  not,  for  I  will  wait  upon  you  and  be  under  your  protec- 
tion ;  for  because  ye  are  so  good  a  knight  ye  may  save  me. 
The  devil  deliver  me  of  thee,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  for  thou  art 
as  goodly  a  man  of  arms  and  of  thy  person  as  ever  I  saw,  and 
the  most  coward  that  ever  I  saw  What  wilt  thou  do  with 
those  great  spears  that  thou  earnest  with  thee  ?  I  shall  give 
them,  said  Sir  Tristram,  to  some  good  knight  when  I  come 


230  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

to  the  tournament ;  and  if  I  see  you  do  best,  I  shall  give  them 
to  you. 

So  thus  as  they  rode  talking  they  saw  where  came  an 
errant  knight  afore  them,  that  dressed  him  to  joust.  Lo, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  yonder  is  one  will  joust ;  now  dress  thee 
to  him.  Ah,  shame  betide  thee,  said  Sir  Dinadan.  Nay, 
not  so,  said  Tristram,  for  that  knight  beseemeth  a  shrew. 
Then  shall  I,  said  Sir  Dinadan.  And  so  they  dressed  their 
shields  and  their  spears,  and  they  met  together  so  hard  that 
the  other  knight  smote  down  Sir  Dinadan  from  his  horse. 
Lo,  said  Sir  Tristram,  it  had  been  better  ye  had  left.  Fie  on 
thee,  coward,  said  Sir  Dinadan.  Then  Sir  Dinadan  started 
up  and  gat  his  sword  in  his  hand,  and  proffered  to  do  battle 
on  foot.  Whether  in  love  or  in  wrath  ?  said  the  other  knight. 
Let  us  do  battle  in  love,  said  Sir  Dinadan.  What  is  your 
name,  said  that  knight,  I  pray  you  tell  me.  Wit  ye  well  my 
name  is  Sir  Dinadan.  Ah,  Dinadan,  said  that  knight,  and 
my  name  is  Gareth,  the  youngest  brother  unto  Sir  Gawaine. 
Then  either  made  of  other  great  cheer,  for  this  Gareth 
was  the  best  knight  of  all  the  brethren,  and  he  proved  a  good 
knight.  Then  they  took  their  horses,  and  there  they  spake 
of  Sir  Tristram,  how  such  a  coward  he  was  ;  and  every  word 
Sir  Tristram  heard  and  laughed  them  to  scorn. 

Then  were  they  ware  where  came  a  knight  afore  them 
well  horsed  and  well  armed,  and  he  made  him  ready  to  joust. 
Fair  knights,  said  Sir  Tristram,  look  betwixt  you  who  shall 
joust  with  yonder  knight,  for  I  warn  you  I  will  not  have  ado 
with  him.  Then  shall  I,  said  Sir  Gareth.  And  so  they  en- 
countered together,  and  there  that  knight  smote  down  Sir 
Gareth  over  his  horse's  croup.  How  now,  said  Sir  Tristram 
unto  Sir  Dinadan,  dress  thee  now  and  revenge  the  good  knight 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   SIR   PALOMIDES   231 

Gareth.  That  shall  I  not,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  for  he  hath 
stricken  down  a  much  bigger  knight  than  I  am.  Ah,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  now  Sir  Dinadan,  I  see  and  feel  well  your  heart 
faileth  you,  therefore  now  shall  ye  see  what  I  shall  do.  And 
then  Sir  Tristram  hurtled  unto  that  knight,  and  smote  him 
quite  from  his  horse.  And  when  Sir  Dinadan  saw  that,  he 
marvelled  greatly ;  and  then  he  deemed  that  it  was  Sir  Tris- 
tram. 

Then  this  knight  that  was  on  foot  pulled  out  his  sword 
to  do  battle.  What  is  your  name  ?  said  Sir  Tristram.  Wit 
ye  well,  said  that  knight,  my  name  is  Sir  Palomides.  What 
knight  hate  ye  most  ?  said  Sir  Tristram.  Sir  knight,  said 
he,  I  hate  Sir  Tristram  to  the  death,  for  an  I  may  meet  with 
him  the  one  of  us  shall  die.  Ye  say  well,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
and  wit  ye  well  that  I  am  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones,  and  now 
do  your  worst.  When  Sir  Palomides  heard  him  say  so  he 
was  astonied.  And  then  he  said  thus :  I  pray  you,  Sir 
Tristram,  forgive  me  all  mine  evil  will,  and  if  I  live  I  shall 
do  you  service  above  all  other  knights  that  be  living ;  and 
whereas  I  have  owed  you  evil  will  me  sore  repenteth.  I  wot 
not  what  aileth  me,  for  meseemeth  that  ye  are  a  good  knight, 
and  none  other  knight  that  named  himself  a  good  knight 
should  not  hate  you ;  therefore  I  require  you,  Sir  Tristram, 
take  no  displeasure  at  mine  unkind  words.  Sir  Palomides, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  ye  say  well,  and  well  I  wot  ye  are  a  good 
knight,  for  I  have  seen  ye  proved ;  and  many  great  enter- 
prises have  ye  taken  upon  you,  and  well  achieved  them; 
therefore,  said  Sir  Tristram,  an  ye  have  any  evil  will  to  me, 
now  may  ye  right  it,  for  I  am  ready  at  your  hand.  Not  so, 
my  lord  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  do  you  knightly  service  in  all 
thing  as  ye  will  command.  And  right  so  I  will  take  you, 


232  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

said  Sir  Tristram.  And  GO  they  rode  forth  on  their  ways 
talking  of  many  things.  O  my  lord  Sir  Tristram,  said  Dina- 
dan,  foul  have  ye  mocked  me,  for  God  knoweth  I  came  into 
this  country  for  your  sake,  and  by  the  advice  of  my  lord  Sir 
Launcelot ;  and  yet  would  not  Sir  Launcelot  tell  me  the 
certainty  of  you,  where  I  should  find  you.  Truly,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  Sir  Launcelot  wist  well  where  I  was,  for  I  abode 
within  his  own  castle. 

HOW  THEY  APPROACHED  THE  CASTLE 
LONAZEP,  AND  HOW  THEY  TALKED 
OF  THE  DEATH  OF  SIR  LAMORAK, 
AND  HOW  ON  HUMBER  BANK  THEY 
FOUND  A  SHIP,  WHEREIN  LAY  THE 
BODY  OF  KING  HERMANCE.  Thus  they  rode  until 
they  were  ware  of  the  Castle  Lonazep.  And  then  were  they 
ware  of  four  hundred  tents  and  pavilions,  and  marvellous 
great  ordinance.  So  God  me  help,  said  Sir  Tristram,  yonder 
I  see  the  greatest  ordinance  that  ever  I  saw.  Sir,  said  Palo- 
mides,  meseemeth  that  there  was  as  great  an  ordinance  at 
the  Castle  of  Maidens  upon  the  rock,  where  ye  won  the  prize, 
for  I  saw  myself  where  ye  for-jousted  thirty  knights.  Sir, 
said  Dinadan,  and  in  Surluse,  at  that  tournament  that  Gala- 
halt  of  the  Long  Isles  made,  the  which  there  dured  seven  days, 
was  as  great  a  gathering  as  is  here,  for  there  were  many 
nations.  Who  was  the  best  ?  said  Sir  Tristram.  Sir,  it  was 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  and  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Lamorak 
de  Galis,  and  Sir  Launcelot  won  the  degree.  I  doubt  not, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  but  he  won  the  degree,  so  he  had  not  been 
overmatched  with  many  knights ;  and  of  the  death  of  Sir 
Lamorak,  said  Sir  Tristram,  it  was  over  great  pity,  for  I  dare 


OF  THE  DEATH  OF  SIR  LAMORAK         233 

say  he  was  the  cleanest  mighted  man  and  the  best  winded 
of  his  age  that  was  alive ;  for  I  knew  him  that  he  was  the 
biggest  knight  that  ever  I  met  withal,  but  if  it  were  Sir  Launce- 
lot.  Alas,  said  Sir  Tristram,  full  woe  is  me  for  his  death. 
And  if  they  were  not  the  cousins  of  my  lord  Arthur  that  slew 
him,  they  should  die  for  it,  and  all  those  that  were  consent- 
ing to  his  death.  And  for  such  things,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I 
fear  to  draw  unto  the  court  of  my  lord  Arthur ;  I  will  that  ye 
wit  it,  said  Sir  Tristram  unto  Gareth. 

Sir,  I  blame  you  not,  said  Gareth,  for  well  I  understand 
the  vengeance  of  my  brethren  Sir  Gawaine,  Agravaine,  Gaheris, 
and  Mordred.  But  as  for  me,  said  Sir  Gareth,  I  meddle  not 
of  their  matters,  therefore  there  is  none  of  them  that  loveth 
me.  And  for  I  understand  they  be  murderers  of  good  knights 
I  left  their  company ;  and  God  would  I  had  been  by,  said 
Gareth,  when  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Lamorak,  was  slain. 
Now  as  Jesu  be  my  help,  said  Sir  Tristram,  it  is  well  said  of 
you,  for  I  had  liefer  than  all  the  gold  betwixt  this  and  Rome 
I  had  been  there.  Y-wis,  said  Palomides,  and  so  would  I 
had  been  there,  and  yet  had  I  never  the  degree  at  no  jousts 
nor  tournament  thereas  he  was,  but  he  put  me  to  the  worse, 
or  on  foot  or  on  horseback ;  and  that  day  that  he  was  slain  he 
did  the  most  deeds  of  arms  that  ever  I  saw  knight  do  in  all 
my  life  days.  And  when  him  was  given  the  degree  by  my 
lord  Arthur,  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  three  brethren,  Agravaine, 
Gaheris,  and  Sir  Mordred,  set  upon  Sir  Lamorak  in  a  privy 
place,  and  there  they  slew  his  horse.  And  so  they  fought 
with  him  on  foot  more  than  three  hours,  both  before  him  and 
behind  him ;  and  Sir  Mordred  gave  him  his  death  wound 
behind  him  at  his  back,  and  all  to-hew  him :  for  one  of  his 
squires  told  me  that  saw  it.  Fie  upon  treason,  said  Sir  Tris- 


234  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

tram,  for  it  killeth  my  heart  to  hear  this  tale.  So  it  doth 
mine,  said  Gareth ;  brethren  as  they  be  mine  I  shall  never 
love  them,  nor  draw  in  their  fellowship  for  that  deed. 

So  thus  they  rode  until  that  they  came  to  Humber  bank, 
where  they  heard  a  cry  and  a  doleful  noise.  Then  were  they 
ware  in  the  wind  where  came  a  rich  vessel  covered  over  with 
red  silk,  and  the  vessel  landed  fast  by  them.  Therewith  Sir 
Tristram  alighted  and  his  knights.  And  so  Sir  Tristram  went 
afore  and  entered  into  that  vessel.  And  when  he  came  within 
he  saw  a  fair  bed  richly  covered,  and  thereupon  lay  a  dead 
seemly  knight,  all  armed  save  the  head,  was  all  be-bled  with 
deadly  wounds  upon  him,  the  which  seemed  to  be  a  passing  good 
knight.  How  may  this  be,  said  Sir  Tristram,  that  this  knight 
is  thus  slain  ?  Then  Sir  Tristram  was  ware  of  a  letter  in  the 
dead  knight's  hand.  Master  mariners,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
what  meaneth  that  letter  ?  Sir,  said  they,  in  that  letter  ye 
shall  hear  and  know  how  he  was  slain,  and  for  what  cause, 
and  what  was  his  name.  But  sir,  said  the  mariners,  wit  ye 
well  that  no  man  shall  take  that  letter  and  read  it  but  if  he 
be  a  good  knight,  and  that  he  will  faithfully  promise  to  re- 
venge his  death,  else  shall  there  be  no  knight  see  that  letter 
open.  Wit  ye  well,  said  Sir  Tristram,  that  some  of  us  may 
revenge  his  death  as  well  as  other,  and  if  it  be  so  as  ye  mariners 
say  his  death  shall  be  revenged.  And  therewith  Sir  Tristram 
took  the  letter  out  of  the  knight's  hand,  and  it  said  thus : 
Hermance,  king  and  lord  of  the  Red  City,  I  send  unto  all 
knights  errant,  recommending  unto  you  noble  knights  of 
Arthur's  court.  I  beseech  them  all  among  them  to  find  one 
knight  that  will  fight  for  my  sake  with  two  brethren  that  I 
brought  up  of  nought,  and  feloniously  and  traitorly  they 
have  slain  me ;  wherefore  I  beseech  one  good  knight  to  re- 


HOW  PALOMIDES    SAILED    ALONG    HUMBER     235 

venge  my  death.     And  he  that  revengeth  my  death  I  will 
that  he  have  my  Red  City  and  all  my  castles. 

Sir,  said  the  mariners,  wit  ye  well  this  king  and  knight 
that  here  lieth  was  a  full  worshipful  man  and  of  full  great 
prowess,  and  full  well  he  loved  all  manner  knights  errants. 
Here  is  a  piteous  case,  said  Sir  Tristram,  and  full  fain  would 
I  take  this  enterprise  upon  me ;  but  I  have  made  such  a 
promise  that  needs  I  must  be  at  this  great  tournament,  or 
else  I  am  shamed.  For  well  I  wot  for  my  sake  in  especial 
my  lord  Arthur  let  make  this  jousts  and  tournament  in  this 
country ;  and  well  I  wot  that  many  worshipful  people  will 
be  there  at  that  tournament  for  to  see  me ;  therefore  I  fear 
me  to  take  this  enterprise  upon  me  that  I  shall  not  come 
again  by  time  to  this  jousts.  Sir,  said  Palomides,  I  pray  you 
give  me  this  enterprise,  and  ye  shall  see  me  achieve  it  wor- 
shipfully,  other  else  I  shall  die  in  this  quarrel.  Well,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  and  this  enterprise  I  give  you,  with  this,  that 
ye  be  with  me  at  this  tournament  that  shall  be  as  this  day 
seven  night.  Sir,  said  Palomides,  I  promise  you  that  I  shall 
be  with  you  by  that  day  if  I  be  unslain  or  unmaimed. 

HOW  PALOMIDES  WENT  FOR  TO  FIGHT  WITH 
TWO  BRETHREN  FOR  THE  DEATH  OF  KING 
HERMANCE,  AND  SLEW  THEM,  AND  CAME 
UNTO  JOYOUS  CARD.     Then  Sir  Palomides  sailed  even 
long  Humber  to  the  coasts  of  the  sea,  where  was  a  fair  castle. 
And  at  that  time  it  was  early  in  the  morning,  afore  day. 
Then  the  mariners  went  unto  Sir  Palomides  that  slept  fast. 
Sir  knight,  said  the  mariners,  ye  must  arise,  for  here  is  a 
castle  there  ye  must  go  into.     I  assent  me,  said  Sir  Palomides  ; 
and  therewithal  he  arrived.     And  then  he  blew  his  horn  that 


236  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

the  mariners  had  given  him.  And  when  they  within  the 
castle  heard  that  horn  they  put  forth  many  knights ;  and 
there  they  stood  upon  the  walls,  and  said  with  one  voice : 
Welcome  be  ye  to  this  castle.  And  then  it  waxed  clear  day, 
and  Sir  Palomides  entered  into  the  castle.  And  within  a 
while  he  was  served  with  many  divers  meats.  Then  Sir 
Palomides  heard  about  him  much  weeping  and  great  dole. 
What  may  this  mean  ?  said  Sir  Palomides  ;  I  love  not  to  hear 
such  a  sorrow,  and  fain  I  would  know  what  it  meaneth.  Then 
there  came  afore  him  one  whose  name  was  Sir  Ebel,  that 
said  thus :  Wit  ye  well,  sir  knight,  this  dole  and  sorrow  is 
here  made  every  day,  and  for  this  cause :  we  had  a  king  that 
hight  Hermance,  and  he  was  King  of  the  Red  City,  and  this 
king  that  was  lord  was  a  noble  knight,  large  and  liberal  of 
his  expense  ;  and  in  the  world  he  loved  nothing  so  much  as  he 
did  errant  knights  of  King  Arthur's  court,  and  all  jousting, 
hunting,  and  all  manner  of  knightly  games ;  for  so  kind  a 
king  and  knight  had  never  the  rule  of  poor  people  as  he  was  ; 
and  because  of  his  goodness  and  gentleness  we  bemoan  him, 
and  ever  shall.  And  all  kings  and  estates  may  beware  by 
our  lord,  for  he  was  destroyed  in  his  own  default ;  for  had  he 
cherished  them  of  his  blood  he  had  yet  lived  with  great  riches 
and  rest :  but  all  estates  may  beware  by  our  king.  But  alas, 
said  Ebel,  that  we  shall  give  all  other  warning  by  his  death. 

Tell  me,  said  Palomides,  and  in  what  manner  was  your 
lord  slain,  and  by  whom.  Sir,  said  Sir  Ebel,  our  king  brought 
up  of  children  two  men  that  now  are  perilous  knights ;  and 
these  two  knights  our  king  had  so  in  charity,  that  he  loved  no 
man  nor  trusted  no  man  of  his  blood,  nor  none  other  that  was 
about  him.  And  by  these  two  knights  our  king  was  governed, 
and  so  they  ruled  him  peaceably  and  his  lands,  and  never 


HOW   KING  HERMANCE  WAS   SLAIN        237 

would  they  suffer  none  of  his  blood  to  have  no  rule  with  our 
king.  And  also  he  was  so  free  and  so  gentle,  and  they  so 
false  and  deceivable,  that  they  ruled  him  peaceably;  and 
that  espied  the  lords  of  our  king's  blood,  and  departed  from 
him  unto  their  own  livelihood.  Then  when  these  two  traitors 
understood  that  they  had  driven  all  the  lords  of  his  blood  from 
him,  they  were  not  pleased  with  that  rule,  but  then  they 
thought  to  have  more,  as  ever  it  is  an  old  saw :  Give  a  churl 
rule  and  thereby  he  will  not  be  sufficed ;  for  whatsomever  he 
be  that  is  ruled  by  a  villain  born,  and  the  lord  of  the  soil  to 
be  a  gentleman  born,  the  same  villain  shall  destroy  all  the 
gentlemen  about  him :  therefore  all  estates  and  lords,  beware 
whom  ye  take  about  you.  And  if  ye  be  a  knight  of  King 
Arthur's  court  remember  this  tale,  for  this  is  the  end  and 
conclusion.  My  lord  and  king  rode  unto  the  forest  hereby 
by  the  advice  of  these  traitors,  and  there  he  chased  at  the 
red  deer,  armed  at  all  pieces  full  like  a  good  knight ;  and  so 
for  labour  he  waxed  dry,  and  then  he  alighted,  and  drank  at 
a  well.  And  when  he  was  alighted,  by  the  assent  of  these 
two  traitors,  that  one  that  hight  Helius  he  suddenly  smote 
our  king  through  the  body  with  a  spear,  and  so  they  left  him 
there.  And  when  they  were  departed,  then  by  fortune  I 
came  to  the  well,  and  found  my  lord  and  king  wounded  to 
the  death.  And  when  I  heard  his  complaint,  I  let  bring 
him  to  the  water  side,  and  in  that  same  ship  I  put  him 
alive ;  and  when  my  lord  King  Hermance  was  in  that  vessel, 
he  required  me  for  the  true  faith  I  owed  unto  him  for  to 
write  a  letter  in  this  manner. 

Recommending  unto  King  Arthur  and  to  all  his  knights 
errant,  beseeching  them  all  that  insomuch  as  I,  King  Her- 
mance, King  of  the  Red  City,  thus  am  slain  by  felony  and 


238  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

treason,  through  two  knights  of  mine  own,  and  of  mine  own 
bringing  up  and  of  mine  own  making,  that  some  worshipful 
knight  will  revenge  my  death,  insomuch  I  have  been  ever  to 
my  power  well  willing  unto  Arthur's  court.  And  who  that 
will  adventure  his  life  with  these  two  traitors  for  my  sake  in 
one  battle,  I,  King  Hermance,  King  of  the  Red  City,  freely 
give  him  all  my  lands  and  rents  that  ever  I  wielded  in  my 
life.  This  letter,  said  Ebel,  I  wrote  by  my  lord's  command- 
ment, and  then  he  received  his  Creator ;  and  when  he  was 
dead,  he  commanded  me  or  ever  he  were  cold  to  put  that 
letter  fast  in  his  hand.  And  then  he  commanded  me  to  put 
forth  that  same  vessel  down  Humber,  and  I  should  give  these 
mariners  in  commandment  never  to  stint  until  that  they  came 
unto  Logris,  where  all  the  noble  knights  shall  assemble  at 
this  time.  And  there  shall  some  good  knight  have  pity  on 
me  to  revenge  my  death,  for  there  was  never  king  nor  lord 
falslier  nor  traitorlier  slain  than  I  am  here  to  my  death.  Thus 
was  the  complaint  of  our  King  Hermance.  Now,  said  Sir 
Ebel,  ye  know  all  how  our  lord  was  betrayed,  we  require  you 
for  God's  sake  have  pity  upon  his  death,  and  worshipfully 
revenge  his  death,  and  then  may  ye  wield  all  these  lands.  For 
we  all  wit  well  that  an  ye  may  slay  these  two  traitors,  the 
Red  City  and  all  those  that  be  therein  will  take  you  for  their 
lord. 

Truly,  said  Sir  Palomides,  it  grieveth  my  heart  for  to  hear 
you  tell  this  doleful  tale  ;  and  to  say  the  truth  I  saw  the  same 
letter  that  ye  speak  of,  and  one  of  the  best  knights  on  the 
earth  read  that  letter  to  me,  and  by  his  commandment  I 
came  hither  to  revenge  your  king's  death ;  and  therefore 
have  done,  and  let  me  wit  where  I  shall  find  those  traitors, 
for  I  shall  never  be  at  ease  in  my  heart  till  I  be  in  hands  with 


PALOMIDES  AT  THE   DELECTABLE   ISLE    239 

them.  Sir,  said  Sir  Ebel,  then  take  your  ship  again,  and  that 
ship  must  bring  you  unto  the  Delectable  Isle,  fast  by  the 
Red  City,  and  we  in  this  castle  shall  pray  for  you,  and  abide 
your  again-coming. 

So  Sir  Palomides  took  his  ship,  and  arrived  up  at  the 
Delectable  Isle.  And  in  the  meanwhile  Sir  Hermind  that 
was  the  king's  brother,  he  arrived  up  at  the  Red  City,  and 
there  he  told  them  how  there  was  come  a  knight  of  King 
Arthur's  to  avenge  King  Hermance's  death :  And  his  name 
is  Sir  Palomides,  the  good  knight,  that  for  the  most  part  he 
followeth  the  beast  Glatisant.  Then  all  the  city  made  great 
joy,  for  mickle  had  they  heard  of  Sir  Palomides,  and  of  his 
noble  prowess.  So  let  they  ordain  a  messenger,  and  sent 
unto  the  two  brethren,  and  bade  them  to  make  them  ready, 
for  there  was  a  knight  come  that  would  fight  with  them  both. 
So  the  messenger  went  unto  them  where  they  were  at  a  castle 
there  beside ;  and  there  he  told  them  how  there  was  a  knight 
come  of  King  Arthur's  court  to  fight  with  them  both  at  once. 
He  is  welcome,  said  they ;  but  tell  us,  we  pray  you,  if  it  be  Sir 
Launcelot  or  any  of  his  blood  ?  He  is  none  of  that  blood,  said 
the  messenger.  Then  we  care  the  less,  said  the  two  brethren, 
for  with  none  of  the  blood  of  Sir  Launcelot  we  keep  not  to 
have  ado  withal.  Wit  ye  well,  said  the  messenger,  that  his 
name  is  Sir  Palomides,  that  yet  is  unchristened,  a  noble 
knight.  Well,  said  they,  an  he  be  now  unchristened  he  shall 
never  be  christened.  So  they  appointed  to  be  at  the  city 
within  two  days. 

So  within  the  third  day  there  came  to  the  city  these  two 
brethren,  the  one  hight  Helius,  the  other  hight  Helake,  the 
which  were  men  of  great  prowess ;  howbeit  that  they  were 
false  and  full  of  treason,  and  but  poor  men  born,  yet  were 


24o  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

they  noble  knights  of  their  hands.  And  with  them  they 
brought  forty  knights,  to  that  intent  that  they  should  be  big 
enough  for  the  Red  City.  Thus  came  the  two  brethren  with 
great  bobaunce  and  pride,  for  they  had  put  the  Red  City  in 
fear  and  damage.  Then  they  were  brought  to  the  lists,  and 
Sir  Palomides  came  into  the  place  and  said  thus :  Be  ye  the 
two  brethren,  Helius  and  Helake,  that  slew  your  king  and 
lord,  Sir  Hermance,  by  felony  and  treason,  for  whom  that  I 
am  come  hither  to  revenge  his  death  ?  Wit  thou  well,  said 
Sir  Helius  and  Sir  Helake,  that  we  are  the  same  knights  that 
slew  King  Hermance ;  and  wit  thou  well,  Sir  Palomides 
Saracen,  that  we  shall  handle  thee  so  ere  thou  depart  that  thou 
shalt  wish  that  thou  wert  christened.  It  may  well  be,  said 
Sir  Palomides,  for  yet  I  would  not  die  or  I  were  christened ; 
and  yet  so  am  I  not  afeard  of  you  both,  but  I  trust  to  God 
that  I  shall  die  a  better  Christian  man  than  any  of  you  both ; 
and  doubt  ye  not,  said  Sir  Palomides,  either  ye  or  I  shall  be 
left  dead  in  this  place. 

Then  they  departed,  and  the  two  brethren  came  against 
Sir  Palomides,  and  he  against  them,  as  fast  as  their  horses 
might  run.  And  by  fortune  Sir  Palomides  smote  Helake 
through  his  shield  and  through  the  breast  more  than  a  fathom. 
All  this  while  Sir  Helius  held  up  his  spear,  and  for  pride  and 
orgulite  he  would  not  smite  Sir  Palomides  with  his  spear ; 
but  when  he  saw  his  brother  lie  on  the  earth,  and  saw  he 
might  not  help  himself,  then  he  said  unto  Sir  Palomides  : 
Help  thyself.  And  therewith  he  came  hurtling  unto  Sir 
Palomides  with  his  spear,  and  smote  him  quite  from  his 
saddle.  Then  Sir  Helius  rode  over  Sir  Palomides  twice  or 
thrice.  And  therewith  Sir  Palomides  was  ashamed,  and  gat 
the  horse  of  Sir  Helius  by  the  bridle,  and  therewithal  the  horse 


HOW  KING  HERMANCE  WAS  AVENGED    241 

areared,  and  Sir  Palomides  halp  after,  and  so  they  fell  both 
to  the  earth ;  but  anon  Sir  Helius  stert  up  lightly,  and  there 
he  smote  Sir  Palomides  a  great  stroke  upon  the  helm,  that  he 
kneeled  upon  his  own  knee.  Then  they  lashed  together  many 
sad  strokes,  and  traced  and  traversed,  now  backward,  now 
sideling,  hurtling  together  like  two  boars,  and  that  same  time 
they  fell  both  grovelling  to  the  earth. 

Thus  they  fought  still  without  any  reposing  two  hours, 
and  never  breathed ;  and  then  Sir  Palomides  waxed  faint 
and  weary,  and  Sir  Helius  waxed  passing  strong,  and  doubled 
his  strokes,  and  drove  Sir  Palomides  overthwart  and  endlong 
all  the  field,  that  they  of  the  city  when  they  saw  Sir  Palomides 
in  this  case  they  wept  and  cried,  and  made  great  dole,  and  the 
other  party  made  as  great  joy.  Alas,  said  the  men  of  the  city, 
that  this  noble  knight  should  thus  be  slain  for  our  king's  sake. 
And  as  they  were  thus  weeping  and  crying,  Sir  Palomides 
that  had  suffered  an  hundred  strokes,  that  it  was  wonder  that 
he  stood  on  his  feet,  at  the  last  Sir  Palomides  beheld  as  he 
might  the  common  people,  how  they  wept  for  him ;  and  then 
he  said  to  himself:  Ah,  fie  for  shame,  Sir  Palomides,  why 
hangest  thou  thy  head  so  low ;  and  therewith  he  bare  up  his 
shield,  and  looked  Sir  Helius  in  the  visage,  and  he  smote  him 
a  great  stroke  upon  the  helm,  and  after  that  another  and  an- 
other. And  then  he  smote  Sir  Helius  with  such  a  might  that 
he  fell  to  the  earth  grovelling ;  and  then  he  raced  off  his  helm 
from  his  head,  and  there  he  smote  him  such  a  buffet  that  he 
departed  his  head  from  the  body.  And  then  were  the  people 
of  the  city  the  joyfullest  people  that  might  be.  So  they 
brought  him  to  his  lodging  with  great  solemnity,  and  there  all 
the  people  became  his  men.  And  then  Sir  Palomides  prayed 
them  all  to  take  keep  unto  all  the  lordship  of  King  Hermance : 


242  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

For,  fair  sirs,  wit  ye  well  I  may  not  as  at  this  time  abide  with 
you,  for  I  must  in  all  haste  be  with  my  lord  King  Arthur  at 
the  Castle  of  Lonazep,  the  which  I  have  promised.  Then  was 
the  people  full  heavy  at  his  departing,  for  all  that  city  prof- 
fered Sir  Palomides  the  third  part  of  their  goods  so  that  he 
would  abide  with  them ;  but  in  no  wise  as  at  that  time  he 
would  not  abide. 

And  so  Sir  Palomides  departed,  and  so  he  came  unto 
the  castle  thereas  Sir  Ebel  was  lieutenant.  And  when  they 
in  the  castle  wist  how  Sir  Palomides  had  sped,  there  was  a 
joyful  company;  and  so  Sir  Palomides  departed,  and  came 
to  the  castle  of  Lonazep.  And  when  he  wist  that  Sir  Tris- 
tram was  not  there  he  took  his  way  over  Humber,  and  came 
unto  Joyous  Card,  whereas  Sir  Tristram  was  and  La  Beale 
Isoud  ;  and  there  Sir  Tristram  talked  unto  Sir  Palomides 
of  his  battle,  how  he  sped  at  the  Red  City,  and  as  ye  have 
heard  afore  so  was  it  ended.  Truly,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I 
am  glad  ye  have  well  sped,  for  ye  have  done  worshipfully. 
Well,  said  Sir  Tristram,  we  must  forward  to-morn.  And 
then  he  devised  how  it  should  be ;  and  Sir  Tristram  devised 
to  send  his  two  pavilions  to  set  them  fast  by  the  well  of  Lona- 
zep, and  therein  shall  be  the  queen  La  Beale  Isoud.  It  is 
well  said,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  but  when  Sir  Palomides  heard 
of  that  his  heart  was  ravished  out  of  measure :  notwith- 
standing he  said  but  little.  So  when  they  came  to  Joyous 
Card  Sir  Palomides  would  not  have  gone  into  the  castle,  but 
as  Sir  Tristram  took  him  by  the  finger,  and  led  him  into  the 
castle.  And  when  Sir  Palomides  saw  La  Beale  Isoud  he  was 
ravished  so  that  he  might  scarce  speak.  So  they  went  unto 
meat,  but  Palomides  might  not  eat,  and  there  was  all  the  cheer 
that  might  be  had.  And  on  the  morn  they  were  apparelled 


OF  THE  TOURNEY  OF  LONAZEP  243 

to  ride  toward  Lonazep,  and  came  to  the  well  where  Sir 
Tristram's  two  pavilions  were  set ;  and  there  they  alighted, 
and  there  they  saw  many  pavilions  and  great  array. 

OF  THE  TOURNAMENT  AT  LONA- 
ZEP, AND  HOW  THE  PRIZE  ON  THE 
FIRST  DAY  WAS  GIVEN  TO  SIR 
PALOMIDES.  Now  upon  what  party, 
said  Tristram,  is  it  best  we  be  withal  as 
to-morn  ?  Sir,  said  Palomides,  ye  shall 
have  mine  advice  to  be  against  King  Arthur 
as  to-morn,  for  on  his  party  will  be  Sir 
Launcelot  and  many  good  knights  of  his  blood  with  him. 
And  the  more  men  of  worship  that  they  be,  the  more  worship 
we  shall  win.  That  is  full  knightly  spoken,  said  Sir  Tristram ; 
and  right  so  as  ye  counsel  me,  so  will  we  do.  So  that  night 
they  were  lodged  with  the  best.  And  on  the  morn  when  it 
was  day  they  were  arrayed  all  in  green  trappings,  shields  and 
spears,  and  La  Beale  Isoud  in  the  same  colour,  and  her  three 
damosels.  And  right  so  these  four  knights  came  into  the 
field  endlong  and  through.  And  so  they  led  La  Beale  Isoud 
thither  as  she  should  stand  and  behold  all  the  jousts  in  a  bay 
window;  but  always  she  was  wimpled  that  no  man  might 
see  her  visage.  And  then  these  four  knights  rode  straight 
unto  the  party  of  the  King  of  Scots. 

Then  came  therein  two  brethren,  cousins  unto  Sir  Gawaine, 
the  one  hight  Sir  Edward,  that  other  hight  Sir  Sadok,  the 
which  were  two  good  knights  ;  and  they  asked  of  King  Arthur 
that  they  might  have  the  first  jousts,  for  they  were  of  Orkney. 
I  am  pleased,  said  King  Arthur.  Then  Sir  Edward  en- 
countered with  the  King  of  Scots,  in  whose  party  was  Sir 


244  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

Tristram  and  Sir  Palomides ;  and  Sir  Edward  smote  the 
King  of  Scots  quite  from  his  horse,  and  Sir  Sadok  smote  down 
the  King  of  North  Wales,  and  gave  him  a  wonder  great  fall, 
that  there  was  a  great  cry  on  King  Arthur's  party,  and  that 
made  Sir  Palomides  passing  wroth.  And  so  Sir  Palomides 
dressed  his  shield  and  his  spear,  and  with  all  his  might  he 
met  with  Sir  Edward  of  Orkney,  that  he  smote  him  so  hard 
that  his  horse  might  not  stand  on  his  feet,  and  so  they 
hurtled  to  the  earth  ;  and  then  with  the  same  spear  Sir  Palo- 
mides smote  down  Sir  Sadok  over  his  horse's  croup. 

This  meanwhile  there  came  into  the  place  Sir  Tristram 
upon  a  black  horse,  and  or  ever  he  stint  he  smote  down  with 
one  spear  four  good  knights  of  Orkney  that  were  of  the  kin 
of  Sir  Gawaine;  and  Sir  Gareth  and  Sir  Dinadan  everych 
of  them  smote  down  a  good  knight.  Then  Sir  Tristram  made 
to  horse  again  the  two  kings  that  Edward  and  Sadok  had  un- 
horsed at  the  beginning.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  drew  his 
sword  and  rode  into  the  thickest  of  the  press  against  them  of 
Orkney ;  and  there  he  smote  down  knights,  and  rashed  off 
helms,  and  pulled  away  their  shields,  and  hurtled  down  many 
knights :  he  fared  so  that  Sir  Arthur  and  all  knights  had 
great  marvel  when  they  saw  one  knight  do  so  great  deeds  of 
arms.  And  Sir  Palomides  failed  not  upon  the  other  side,  but 
did  so  marvellously  well  that  all  men  had  wonder.  But  ever 
Sir  Tristram  did  so  much  deeds  of  arms  that  they  of  Orkney 
waxed  weary  of  him,  and  so  withdrew  them  unto  Lonazep. 

Then  was  the  cry  of  heralds  and  all  manner  of  common 
people :  The  Green  Knight  hath  done  marvellously,  and 
beaten  all  them  of  Orkney.  And  there  the  heralds  num- 
bered that  Sir  Tristram  that  sat  upon  the  black  horse  had 
smitten  down  with  spears  and  swords  thirty  knights ;  and 


SIR  TRISTRAM  UNHORSED  245 

Sir  Palomides  had  smitten  down  twenty  knights,  and  the 
most  part  of  these  fifty  knights  were  of  the  house  of  King 
Arthur,  and  proved  knights.  This  is  a  great  shame  to  us, 
said  Arthur  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  to  see  four  knights  beat 
so  many  knights  of  mine ;  and  therefore  make  you  ready, 
for  we  will  have  ado  with  them.  Sir,  said  Launcelot,  wit 
ye  well  that  these  are  two  passing  good  knights,  and  great 
worship  were  it  not  to  us  now  to  have  ado  with  them,  for 
they  have  this  day  sore  travailed.  As  for  that,  said  Arthur, 
I  will  be  avenged  ;  and  therefore  take  with  you  Sir  Bleoberis 
and  Sir  Ector,  and  I  will  be  the  fourth,  said  Arthur.  Sir, 
said  Launcelot,  ye  shall  find  me  ready,  and  my  brother  Sir 
Ector,  and  my  cousin  Sir  Bleoberis.  And  so  when  they  were 
ready  and  on  horseback :  Now  choose,  said  Sir  Arthur  unto 
Sir  Launcelot,  with  whom  that  ye  will  encounter  withal.  Sir, 
said  Launcelot,  I  will  meet  with  the  green  knight  upon  the 
black  horse  (that  was  Sir  Tristram)  ;  and  my  cousin  Sir 
Bleoberis  shall  match  the  green  knight  upon  the  white  horse 
(that  was  Sir  Palomides)  ;  and  my  brother  Sir  Ector  shall 
match  with  the  green  knight  upon  the  white  horse  (that  was 
Sir  Gareth).  Then  must  I,  said  Sir  Arthur,  have  ado  with 
the  green  knight  upon  the  grisled  horse  (and  that  was  Sir 
Dinadan).  Now  every  man  take  heed  to  his  fellow,  said 
Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  they  trotted  on  together,  and  there 
encountered  Sir  Launcelot  against  Sir  Tristram.  So  Sir 
Launcelot  smote  Sir  Tristram  so  sore  upon  the  shield  that  he 
bare  horse  and  man  to  the  earth ;  but  Sir  Launcelot  weened 
that  it  had  been  Sir  Palomides,  and  so  he  passed  forth.  And 
then  Sir  Bleoberis  encountered  with  Sir  Palomides,  and  he 
smote  him  so  hard  upon  the  shield  that  Sir  Palomides  and 
his  white  horse  rustled  to  the  earth.  Then  Sir  Ector  de 


246  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

Maris  smote  Sir  Gareth  so  hard  that  down  he  fell  off  his 
horse.  And  the  noble  King  Arthur  encountered  with  Sir 
Dinadan,  and  he  smote  him  quite  from  his  saddle.  And  then 
the  noise  turned  awhile  how  the  green  knights  were  slain  down. 
When  the  King  of  Northgalis  saw  that  Sir  Tristram  had 
a  fall,  then  he  remembered  him  how  great  deeds  of  arms  Sir 
Tristram  had  done.  Then  he  made  ready  many  knights,  for 
the  custom  and  cry  was  such,  that  what  knight  were  smitten 
down,  and  might  not  be  horsed  again  by  his  fellows,  outher 
by  his  own  strength,  that  as  that  day  he  should  be  prisoner 
unto  the  party  that  had  smitten  him  down.  So  came  in  the 
King  of  Northgalis,  and  he  rode  straight  unto  Sir  Tristram ; 
and  when  he  came  nigh  him  he  alighted  down  suddenly  and 
betook  Sir  Tristram  his  horse,  and  said  thus :  Noble  knight, 
I  know  thee  not  of  what  country  that  thou  art,  but  for  the 
noble  deeds  that  thou  hast  done  this  day  take  there  my  horse, 
and  let  me  do  as  well  I  may ;  for  thou  art  better  worthy  to 
have  mine  horse  than  I  myself.  Gramercy,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
and  if  I  may  I  shall  quite  you :  look  that  ye  go  not  far  from 
us,  and  as  I  suppose,  I  shall  win  you  another  horse.  And 
therewith  Sir  Tristram  mounted  upon  his  horse,  and  there 
he  met  with  King  Arthur,  and  he  gave  him  such  a  buffet 
upon  the  helm  with  his  sword  that  King  Arthur  had  no  power 
to  keep  his  saddle.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  gave  the  King 
of  Northgalis  King  Arthur's  horse.  Then  was  there  great 
press  about  King  Arthur  for  to  horse  him  again ;  but  Sir 
Palomides  would  not  suffer  King  Arthur  to  be  horsed  again, 
but  ever  Sir  Palomides  smote  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 
left  hand  mightily  as  a  noble  knight.  And  this  meanwhile 
Sir  Tristram  rode  through  the  thickest  of  the  press,  and  smote 
down  knights  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  hand,  and 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  HIS   HARNESS       247 

raced  off  helms,  and  so  passed  forth  unto  his  pavilions,  and 
left  Sir  Palomides  on  foot ;  and  Sir  Tristram  changed  his 
horse  and  disguised  himself  all  in  red,  horse  and  harness. 

And  when  the  queen  La  Beale  Isoud  saw  that  Sir  Tris- 
tram was  unhorsed,  and  she  wist  not  where  he  was,  then 
she  wept  greatly.  But  Sir  Tristram,  when  he  was  ready, 
came  dashing  lightly  into  the  field,  and  then  La  Beale  Isoud 
espied  him.  And  so  he  did  great  deeds  of  arms ;  with  one 
spear,  that  was  great,  Sir  Tristram  smote  down  five  knights 
or  ever  he  stint.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  espied  him  readily, 
that  it  was  Sir  Tristram,  and  then  he  repented  him  that  he 
had  smitten  him  down ;  and  so  Sir  Launcelot  went  out  of 
the  press  to  repose  him  and  lightly  he  came  again.  And  now 
when  Sir  Tristram  came  into  the  press,  through  his  great 
force  he  put  Sir  Palomides  upon  his  horse,  and  Sir  Gareth, 
and  Sir  Dinadan,  and  then  they  began  to  do  marvellously; 
but  Sir  Palomides  nor  none  of  his  two  fellows  knew  not  who 
had  holpen  them  on  horseback  again.  But  ever  Sir  Tristram 
was  nigh  them  and  succoured  them,  and  they  knew  not  him, 
because  he  was  changed  into  red  armour.  And  all  this  while 
Sir  Launcelot  was  away. 

So  when  La  Beale  Isoud  knew  Sir  Tristram  again  upon 
his  horse-back  she  was  passing  glad,  and  then  she  laughed 
and  made  good  cheer.  And  as  it  happened,  Sir  Palomides 
looked  up  toward  her  where  she  lay  in  the  window,  and  he 
espied  how  she  laughed ;  and  therewith  he  took  such  a  rejoic- 
ing that  he  smote  down,  what  with  his  spear  and  with  his 
sword,  all  that  ever  he  met ;  for  through  the  sight  of  her  he 
was  so  enamoured  in  her  love  that  he  seemed  at  that  time, 
that  an  both  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Launcelot  had  been  both 
against  him  they  should  have  won  no  worship  of  him.  And 


248  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

in  his  heart,  as  the  book  saith,  Sir  Palomides  wished  that  with 
his  worship  he  might  have  ado  with  Sir  Tristram  before  all 
men,  because  of  La  Beale  Isoud.  Then  Sir  Palomides  began 
to  double  his  strength,  and  he  did  so  marvellously  that  all 
men  had  wonder  of  him,  and  ever  he  cast  up  his  eye  unto 
La  Beale  Isoud.  And  when  he  saw  her  make  such  cheer  he 
fared  like  a  lion,  that  there  might  no  man  withstand  him. 
And  then  Sir  Tristram  beheld  him,  how  that  Sir  Palomides 
bestirred  him ;  and  then  he  said  unto  Sir  Dinadan :  Sir 
Palomides  is  a  passing  good  knight  and  a  well  enduring,  but 
such  deeds  saw  I  him  never  do,  nor  never  heard  I  tell  that 
ever  he  did  so  much  in  one  day.  It  is  his  day,  said  Dinadan ; 
and  he  would  say  no  more  unto  Sir  Tristram ;  but  to  himself 
he  said  :  An  if  ye  knew  for  whose  love  he  doth  all  those  deeds 
of  arms,  soon  would  Sir  Tristram  abate  his  courage.  Alas, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  that  Sir  Palomides  is  not  christened.  So 
said  King  Arthur,  and  so  said  all  those  that  beheld  him.  Then 
all  people  gave  him  the  prize,  as  for  the  best  knight  that  day, 
that  he  passed  Sir  Launcelot  or  Sir  Tristram.  Well,  said 
Dinadan  to  himself,  all  this  worship  that  Sir  Palomides  hath 
here  this  day  he  may  thank  the  Queen  Isoud,  for  had  she 
been  away  this  day  Sir  Palomides  had  not  gotten  the  prize 
this  day. 

Right  so  came  into  the  field  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and 
saw  and  heard  the  noise  and  cry  and  the  great  worship  that 
Sir  Palomides  had.  He  dressed  him  against  Sir  Palomides, 
with  a  great  mighty  spear  and  a  long,  and  thought  to  smite 
him  down.  And  when  Sir  Palomides  saw  Sir  Launcelot 
come  upon  him  so  fast,  he  ran  upon  Sir  Launcelot  as  fast  with 
his  sword  as  he  might ;  and  as  Sir  Launcelot  should  have 
stricken  him  he  smote  his  spear  aside,  and  smote  it  a-two 


OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR   PALOMIDES    249 

with  his  sword.  And  Sir  Palomides  rashed  unto  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  and  thought  to  have  put  him  to  a  shame ;  and  with  his 
sword  he  smote  his  horse's  neck  that  Sir  Launcelot  rode  upon, 
and  then  Sir  Launcelot  fell  to  the  earth.  Then  was  the  cry 
huge  and  great :  See  how  Sir  Palomides  the  Saracen  hath 
smitten  down  Sir  Launcelot's  horse.  Right  then  were  there 
many  knights  wroth  with  Sir  Palomides  because  he  had  done 
that  deed ;  therefore  many  knights  held  there  against  that 
it  was  unknightly  done  in  a  tournament  to  kill  an  horse  wil- 
fully, but  that  it  had  been  done  in  plain  battle,  life  for  life. 

When  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  saw  Sir  Launcelot  his  brother 
have  such  a  despite,  and  so  set  on  foot,  then  he  gat  a  spear 
eagerly,  and  ran  against  Sir  Palomides,  and  he  smote  him 
so  hard  that  he  bare  him  quite  from  his  horse.  That  saw 
Sir  Tristram,  that  was  in  red  harness,  and  he  smote  down 
Sir  Ector  de  Maris  quite  from  his  horse.  Then  Sir  Launce- 
lot dressed  his  shield  upon  his  shoulder,  and  with  his  sword 
naked  in  his  hand,  and  so  came  straight  upon  Sir  Palomides 
fiercely  and  said  :  Wit  thou  well  thou  hast  done  me  this 
day  the  greatest  despite  that  ever  any  worshipful  knight 
did  to  me  in  tournament  or  in  jousts,  and  therefore  I  will 
be  avenged  upon  thee,  therefore  take  keep  to  yourself.  Ah, 
mercy,  noble  knight,  said  Palomides,  and  forgive  me  mine 
unkindly  deeds,  for  I  have  no  power  nor  might  to  withstand 
you,  and  I  have  done  so  much  this  day  that  well  I  wot  I  did 
never  so  much,  nor  never  shall  in  my  life-days  ;  and  therefore, 
most  noble  knight,  I  require  thee  spare  me  as  at  this  day,  and 
I  promise  you  I  shall  ever  be  your  knight  while  I  live :  an  ye 
put  me  from  my  worship  now,  ye  put  me  from  the  greatest 
worship  that  ever  I  had  or  ever  shall  have  in  my  life-days. 
Well,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  see,  for  to  say  thee  sooth,  ye  have 


250  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

done  marvellously  well  this  day ;  and  I  understand  a  part  for 
whose  love  ye  do  it,  and  well  I  wot  that  love  is  a  great  mis- 
tress. And  if  my  lady  were  here,  as  she  nis  not,  wit  you  well, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  should  not  bear  away  the  worship. 
But  beware  your  love  be  not  discovered,  for  an  Sir  Tristram 
may  know  it  ye  will  repent  it ;  and  sithen  my  quarrel  is  not 
here,  ye  shall  have  this  day  the  worship  as  for  me ;  consider- 
ing the  great  travail  and  pain  that  ye  have  had  this  day,  it 
were  no  worship  for  me  to  put  you  from  it.  And  therewithal 
Sir  Launcelot  suffered  Sir  Palomides  to  depart. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  by  great  force  and  might  gat  his 
own  horse  maugre  twenty  knights.  So  when  Sir  Launcelot 
was  horsed  he  did  many  marvels,  and  so  did  Sir  Tristram, 
and  Sir  Palomides  in  like  wise.  And  then  the  king  let  blow 
to  lodging ;  and  because  Sir  Palomides  began  first,  and  never 
he  went  nor  rode  out  of  the  field  to  repose,  but  ever  he  was 
doing  marvellously  well  either  on  foot  or  on  horseback,  and 
longest  during,  King  Arthur  and  all  the  kings  gave  Sir  Palo- 
mides the  honour  and  the  gree  as  for  that  day. 


HOW  KING  ARTHUR  AND  SIR 
LAUNCELOT  CAME  TO  SEE  LA 
BEALE  ISOUD,  AND  HOW  PALO- 
MIDES SMOTE  DOWN  KING 
ARTHUR,  AND  OF  THE  SECOND 
DAY  OF  THE  TOURNAMENT 
AND  OF  THE  TREASON  OF  SIR 
PALOMIDES  TO  SIR  TRISTRAM.  So  on  the  morn 
Sir  Tristram  was  ready,  and  La  Beale  Isoud  with  Sir  Palo- 
mides and  Sir  Gareth.  And  so  they  rode  all  in  green  full 
freshly  beseen  unto  the  forest.  And  Sir  Tristram  left  Sir 


PALOMIDES   SMITES   DOWN  ARTHUR        251 

Dinadan  sleeping  in  his  bed.  And  so  as  they  rode  it  happed 
the  king  and  Launcelot  stood  in  a  window,  and  saw  Sir  Tris- 
tram ride  and  Isoud.  Sir,  said  Launcelot,  yonder  rideth 
the  fairest  lady  of  the  world  except  your  queen,  Dame  Guen- 
ever.  Who  is  that?  said  Sir  Arthur.  Sir,  said  he,  it  is 
Queen  Isoud  that,  out-taken  my  lady  your  queen,  she  is 
makeless.  Take  your  horse,  said  Arthur,  and  array  you  at 
all  rights  as  I  will  do,  and  I  promise  you,  said  the  king,  I  will 
see  her.  Then  anon  they  were  armed  and  horsed,  and  either 
took  a  spear  and  rode  unto  the  forest.  Sir,  said  Launcelot, 
it  is  not  good  that  ye  go  too  nigh  them,  for  wit  ye  well  these 
are  two  as  good  knights  as  now  are  living,  and  therefore,  sir,  I 
pray  you  be  not  too  hasty.  For  peradventure  there  will  be 
some  knights  be  displeased  an  we  come  suddenly  upon  them. 
As  for  that,  said  Arthur,  I  will  see  her,  for  I  take  no  force 
whom  I  grieve.  Sir,  said  Launcelot,  ye  put  yourself  in  great 
jeopardy.  As  for  that,  said  the  king,  we  will  take  the  ad- 
venture. Right  so  anon  the  king  rode  even  to  her,  and 
saluted  her,  and  said  :  God  you  save.  Sir,  said  she,  ye  are  wel- 
come. Then  the  king  beheld  her,  and  liked  her  wonderly  well. 
With  that  came  Sir  Palomides  unto  Arthur,  and  said : 
Uncourteous  knight,  what  seekest  thou  here  ?  thou  art  un- 
courteous  to  come  upon  a  lady  thus  suddenly,  therefore  with- 
draw thee.  Sir  Arthur  took  none  heed  of  Sir  Palomides' 
words,  but  ever  he  looked  still  upon  Queen  Isoud.  Then 
was  Sir  Palomides  wroth,  and  therewith  he  took  a  spear,  and 
came  hurtling  upon  King  Arthur,  and  smote  him  down  with 
a  spear.  When  Sir  Launcelot  saw  that  despite  of  Sir  Palo- 
mides, he  said  to  himself:  I  am  loath  to  have  ado  with 
yonder  knight,  and  not  for  his  own  sake  but  for  Sir  Tristram. 
And  one  thing  I  am  sure  of,  if  I  smite  down  Sir  Palomides 


252  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

I  must  have  ado  with  Sir  Tristram,  and  that  were  overmuch 
for  me  to  match  them  both,  for  they  are  two  noble  knights ; 
notwithstanding,  whether  I  live  or  I  die,  needs  must  I  re- 
venge my  lord,  and  so  will  I,  whatsomever  befall  of  me.  And 
therewith  Sir  Launcelot  cried  to  Sir  Palomides :  Keep  thee 
from  me.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Palomides  rushed 
together  with  two  spears  strongly,  but  Sir  Launcelot  smote 
Sir  Palomides  so  hard  that  he  went  quite  out  of  his  saddle, 
and  had  a  great  fall.  When  Sir  Tristram  saw  Sir  Palomides 
have  that  fall,  he  said  to  Sir  Launcelot :  Sir  knight,  keep 
thee,  for  I  must  joust  with  thee.  As  for  to  joust  with  me,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  I  will  not  fail  you,  for  no  dread  I  have  of  you ; 
but  I  am  loath  to  have  ado  with  you  an  I  might  choose,  for 
I  will  that  ye  wit  that  I  must  revenge  my  special  lord  that  was 
unhorsed  unwarly  and  unknightly.  And  therefore,  though 
I  revenged  that  fall,  take  ye  no  displeasure  therein,  for  he  is 
to  me  such  a  friend  that  I  may  not  see  him  shamed. 

Anon  Sir  Tristram  understood  by  his  person  and  by  his 
knightly  words  that  it  was  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  verily 
Sir  Tristram  deemed  that  it  was  King  Arthur,  he  that  Sir 
Palomides  had  smitten  down.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  put 
his  spear  from  him,  and  put  Sir  Palomides  again  on  horse- 
back, and  Sir  Launcelot  put  King  Arthur  on  horseback  and 
so  departed.  Ye  did  not  worshipfully,  said  Sir  Tristram 
unto  Palomides,  when  ye  smote  down  that  knight  so  sud- 
denly as  ye  did.  And  wit  ye  well  ye  did  yourself  great  shame, 
for  the  knights  came  hither  of  their  gentleness  to  see  a  fair 
lady ;  and  that  is  every  good  knight's  part,  to  behold  a  fair 
lady ;  and  ye  had  not  ado  to  play  such  masteries  afore 
my  lady.  Wit  thou  well  it  will  turn  to  anger,  for  he  that 
ye  smote  down  was  King  Arthur,  and  that  other  was  the  good 


SECOND  DAY  OF  THE  TOURNEY     253 

knight  Sir  Launcelot.  But  I  shall  not  forget  the  words  of 
Sir  Launcelot  when  that  he  called  him  a  man  of  great  wor- 
ship, thereby  I  wist  that  it  was  King  Arthur.  And  as  for 
Sir  Launcelot,  an  there  had  been  five  hundred  knights  in  the 
meadow,  he  would  not  have  refused  them,  and  yet  he  said 
he  would  refuse  me.  By  that  again  I  wist  that  it  was  Sir 
Launcelot,  for  ever  he  forbeareth  me  in  every  place,  and 
showeth  me  great  kindness  ;  and  of  all  knights,  I  out-take 
none,  say  what  men  will  say,  he  beareth  the  flower  of  all 
chivalry,  say  it  him  whosomever  will.  An  he  be  well  angered, 
and  that  him  list  to  do  his  utterance  without  any  favour,  I 
know  him  not  alive  but  Sir  Launcelot  is  over  hard  for  him, 
be  it  on  horseback  or  on  foot.  I  may  never  believe,  said 
Palomides,  that  King  Arthur  will  ride  so  privily  as  a  poor 
errant  knight.  Ah,  said  Sir  Tristram,  ye  know  not  my  lord 
Arthur,  for  all  knights  may  learn  to  be  a  knight  of  him.  And 
therefore  ye  may  be  sorry,  said  Sir  Tristram,  of  your  un- 
kindly deeds  to  so  noble  a  king.  And  a  thing  that  is  done 
may  not  be  undone,  said  Palomides.  Then  Sir  Tristram  sent 
Queen  Isoud  unto  her  lodging  in  the  priory,  there  to  behold 
all  the  tournament. 

Then  there  was  a  cry  unto  all  knights,  that  when  they 
heard  an  horn  blow  they  should  make  jousts  as  they  did  the 
first  day.  And  like  as  the  brethren  Sir  Edward  and  Sir 
Sadok  began  the  jousts  the  first  day,  Sir  Uwaine  the  king's 
son  Urien  and  Sir  Lucanere  de  Buttelere  began  the  jousts 
the  second  day.  And  at  the  first  encounter  Sir  Uwaine 
smote  down  the  King's  son  of  Scots ;  and  Sir  Lucanere  ran 
against  the  King  of  Wales,  and  they  brake  their  spears  all 
to  pieces ;  and  they  were  so  fierce  both,  that  they  hurtled 
together  that  both  fell  to  the  earth. 


254  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

When  Sir  Tristram  saw  them  so  begin,  he  said  to  Palo- 
mides :  How  feel  ye  yourself  ?  may  ye  do  this  day  as  ye 
did  yesterday  ?  Nay,  said  Palomides,  I  feel  myself  so  weary, 
and  so  sore  bruised  of  the  deeds  of  yesterday,  that  I  may  not 
endure  as  I  did  yesterday.  That  me  repenteth,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  for  I  shall  lack  you  this  day.  Sir  Palomides  said  : 
Trust  not  to  me,  for  I  may  not  do  as  I  did.  All  these  words 
said  Palomides  for  to  beguile  Sir  Tristram.  Sir,  said  Sir 
Tristram  unto  Sir  Gareth,  then  must  I  trust  upon  you  ;  where- 
fore I  pray  you  be  not  far  from  me  to  rescue  me.  An  need 
be,  said  Sir  Gareth,  I  shall  not  fail  you  in  all  that  I  may  do. 
Then  Sir  Palomides  rode  by  himself;  and  then  in  despite  of 
Sir  Tristram  he  put  himself  in  the  thickest  press  among  them 
of  Orkney,  and  there  he  did  so  marvellously  deeds  of  arms 
that  all  men  had  wonder  of  him,  for  there  might  none  stand 
him  a  stroke. 

When  Sir  Tristram  saw  Sir  Palomides  do  such  deeds,  he 
marvelled  and  said  to  himself :  He  is  weary  of  my  company. 
So  Sir  Tristram  beheld  him  a  great  while  and  did  but  little 
else,  for  the  noise  and  cry  was  so  huge  and  great  that  Sir 
Tristram  marvelled  from  whence  came  the  strength  that 
Sir  Palomides  had  there  in  the  field.  Sir,  said  Sir  Gareth 
unto  Sir  Tristram,  let  me  know  this  day  what  ye  be ;  and 
wonder  ye  not  so  upon  Sir  Palomides,  for  he  enforceth  him- 
self to  win  all  the  worship  and  honour  from  you.  I  may 
well  believe  it,  said  Sir  Tristram.  And  sithen  I  understand 
his  evil  will  and  his  envy,  ye  shall  see,  if  that  I  enforce 
myself,  that  the  noise  shall  be  left  that  now  is  upon  him. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  rode  into  the  thickest  of  the  press, 
and  then  he  did  so  marvellously  well,  and  did  so  great  deeds 
of  arms,  that  all  men  said  that  Sir  Tristram  did  double  so 


OF  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   SIR  DINADAN     255 

much  deeds  of  arms  as  Sir  Palomides  had  done  aforehand. 
And  then  the  noise  went  plain  from  Sir  Palomides,  and  all 
the  people  cried  upon  Sir  Tristram. 

But  when  Sir  Palomides  heard  the  noise  and  the  cry 
was  turned  from  him,  he  rode  out  on  a  part  and  beheld  Sir 
Tristram.  And  when  Sir  Palomides  saw  Sir  Tristram  do  so 
marvellously  well  he  wept  passingly  sore  for  despite,  for  he 
wist  well  he  should  no  worship  win  that  day ;  for  well  knew 
Sir  Palomides,  when  Sir  Tristram  would  put  forth  his  strength 
and  his  manhood,  he  should  get  but  little  worship  that  day. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  rode  privily  out  of  the  press,  that 
none  espied  him  but  La  Beale  Isoud  and  Sir  Palomides,  for 
they  two  would  not  let  off  their  eyes  upon  Sir  Tristram. 
And  when  Sir  Tristram  came  to  his  pavilions  he  found  Sir 
Dinadan  in  his  bed  asleep.  Awake,  said  Tristram,  ye  ought 
to  be  ashamed  so  to  sleep  when  knights  have  ado  in  the 
field.  Then  Sir  Dinadan  arose  lightly  and  said :  What  will 
ye  that  I  shall  do  ?  Make  you  ready,  said  Sir  Tristram,  to 
ride  with  me  into  the  field.  So  when  Sir  Dinadan  was  armed 
he  looked  upon  Sir  Tristram's  helm  and  on  his  shield,  and 
when  he  saw  so  many  strokes  upon  his  helm  and  upon  his 
shield  he  said :  In  good  time  was  I  thus  asleep,  for  had  I 
been  with  you  I  must  needs  for  shame  there  have  followed 
you,  more  for  shame  than  any  prowess  that  is  in  me,  that 
I  see  well  now  by  those  strokes  that  I  should  have  been  truly 
beaten  as  I  was  yesterday.  Leave  your  japes,  said  Sir  Tris- 
tram, and  come  off,  that  we  were  in  the  field  again.  What, 
said  Sir  Dinadan,  is  your  heart  up  ?  yesterday  ye  fared  as 
though  ye  had  dreamed.  So  then  Sir  Tristram  was  arrayed 
in  black  harness.  What  aileth  you  this  day  ?  said  Dinadan, 
meseemeth  ye  be  wilder  than  ye  were  yesterday.  Then 


256  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

smiled  Sir  Tristram  and  said  to  Dinadan :  Await  well  upon 
me ;  if  ye  see  me  overmatched  look  that  ye  be  ever  behind 
me,  and  I  shall  make  you  ready  way  by  God's  grace.  So  Sir 
Tristram  and  Sir  Dinadan  took  their  horses.  All  this  espied 
Sir  Palomides,  both  their  going  and  their  coming,  and  so  did 
La  Beale  Isoud,  for  she  knew  Sir  Tristram  above  all  other. 

Then  when  Sir  Palomides  saw  that  Sir  Tristram  was 
disguised,  then  he  thought  to  do  him  a  shame.  So  Sir  Palo- 
mides rode  to  a  knight  that  was  sore  wounded,  that  sat 
under  a  fair  well  from  the  field.  Sir  knight,  said  Sir  Palo- 
mides, I  pray  you  to  lend  me  your  armour  and  your  shield, 
for  mine  is  over-well  known  in  this  field,  and  that  hath  done 
me  great  damage ;  and  ye  shall  have  mine  armour  and  my 
shield  that  is  as  sure  as  yours.  I  will  well,  said  the  knight, 
that  ye  have  mine  armour  and  my  shield,  if  they  may  do  you 
any  avail.  So  Sir  Palomides  armed  him  hastily  in  that 
knight's  armour  and  his  shield  that  shone  as  any  crystal  or 
silver,  and  so  he  came  riding  into  the  field.  And  then  there 
was  neither  Sir  Tristram  nor  none  of  King  Arthur's  party 
that  knew  Sir  Palomides.  And  right  so  as  Sir  Palomides  was 
come  into  the  field  Sir  Tristram  smote  down  three  knights, 
even  in  the  sight  of  Sir  Palomides.  And  then  Sir  Palomides 
rode  against  Sir  Tristram,  and  either  met  other  with  great 
spears,  that  they  brast  to  their  hands.  And  then  they  dashed 
together  with  swords  eagerly.  Then  Sjr  Tristram  had  marvel 
what  knight  he  was  that  did  battle  so  knightly  with  him. 
Then  was  Sir  Tristram  wroth,  for  he  felt  him  passing  strong, 
so  that  he  deemed  he  might  not  have  ado  with  the  remnant 
of  the  knights,  because  of  the  strength  of  Sir  Palomides.  So 
they  lashed  together  and  gave  many  sad  strokes  together, 
and  many  knights  marvelled  what  knight  he  might  be  that  so 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  FOUGHT  TRISTRAM      257 

encountered  with  the  black  knight,  Sir  Tristram.  Full  well 
knew  La  Beale  Isoud  that  there  was  Sir  Palomides  that  fought 
with  Sir  Tristram,  for  she  espied  all  in  her  window  where 
that  she  stood,  as  Sir  Palomides  changed  his  harness  with 
the  wounded  knight.  And  then  she  began  to  weep  so  heartily 
for  the  despite  of  Sir  Palomides  that  there  she  swooned. 

Then  came  in  Sir  Launcelot  with  the  knights  of  Orkney. 
And  when  the  other  party  had  espied  Sir  Launcelot,  they 
cried  :  Return,  return,  here  cometh  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake. 
So  there  came  knights  and  said :  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  must 
needs  fight  with  yonder  knight  in  the  black  harness  (that 
was  Sir  Tristram),  for  he  hath  almost  overcome  that  good 
knight  that  fighteth  with  him  with  the  silver  shield  (that  was 
Sir  Palomides).  Then  Sir  Launcelot  rode  betwixt  Sir  Tris- 
tram and  Sir  Palomides,  and  Sir  Launcelot  said  to  Palo- 
mides :  Sir  knight,  let  me  have  the  battle,  for  ye  have  need 
to  be  reposed.  Sir  Palomides  knew  Sir  Launcelot  well,  and 
so  did  Sir  Tristram,  but  because  Sir  Launcelot  was  a  far 
hardier  knight  than  himself  therefore  he  was  glad,  and  suf- 
fered Sir  Launcelot  to  fight  with  Sir  Tristram.  For  well 
wist  he  that  Sir  Launcelot  knew  not  Sir  Tristram,  and  there 
he  hoped  that  Sir  Launcelot  should  beat  or  shame  Sir  Tris- 
tram, whereof  Sir  Palomides  was  full  fain.  And  so  Sir 
Launcelot  gave  Sir  Tristram  many  sad  strokes,  but  Sir 
Launcelot  knew  not  Sir  Tristram,  but  Sir  Tristram  knew  well 
Sir  Launcelot.  And  thus  they  fought  long  together,  that 
La  Beale  Isoud  was  well-nigh  out  of  her  mind  for  sorrow. 

Then  Sir  Dinadan  told  Sir  Gareth  how  that  knight  in 
the  black  harness  was  Sir  Tristram :  And  this  is  Launcelot 
that  fighteth  with  him,  that  must  needs  have  the  better  of 
him,  for  Sir  Tristram  hath  had  too  much  travail  this  day. 


258  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

Then  let  us  smite  him  down,  said  Sir  Gareth.  So  it  is  better 
that  we  do,  said  Sir  Dinadan,  than  Sir  Tristram  be  shamed, 
for  yonder  hoveth  the  strong  knight  with  the  silver  shield 
to  fall  upon  Sir  Tristram  if  need  be.  Then  forthwithal 
Gareth  rushed  upon  Sir  Launcelot,  and  gave  him  a  great 
stroke  upon  his  helm  so  hard  that  he  was  astonied.  And 
then  came  Sir  Dinadan  with  a  spear,  and  he  smote  Sir  Launce- 
lot such  a  buffet  that  horse  and  all  fell  to  the  earth.  Fie 
for  shame,  said  Sir  Tristram  to  Sir  Gareth  and  Sir  Dinadan, 
why  did  ye  smite  down  so  good  a  knight  as  he  is,  and  namely 
when  I  had  ado  with  him  ?  now  ye  do  yourself  great  shame, 
and  him  no  disworship  ;  for  I  held  him  reasonable  hot,  though 
ye  had  not  holpen  me. 

Then  came  Sir  Palomides  that  was  disguised,  and  smote 
down  Sir  Dinadan  from  his  horse.  Then  Sir  Launcelot, 
because  Sir  Dinadan  had  smitten  him  aforehand,  assailed 
Sir  Dinadan  passing  sore,  and  Sir  Dinadan  defended  him 
mightily.  But  well  understood  Sir  Tristram  that  Sir  Dina- 
dan might  not  endure  Sir  Launcelot,  wherefore  Sir  Tristram 
was  sorry.  Then  came  Sir  Palomides  fresh  upon  Sir  Tris- 
tram. And  when  Sir  Tristram  saw  him  come,  he  thought  to 
deliver  him  at  once,  because  that  he  would  help  Sir  Dinadan, 
because  he  stood  in  great  peril  with  Sir  Launcelot.  Then 
Sir  Tristram  hurtled  unto  Sir  Palomides  and  gave  him  a  great 
buffet,  and  then  Sir  Tristram  gat  Sir  Palomides  and  pulled 
him  down  underneath  him.  And  so  fell  Sir  Tristram  with 
him  ;  and  Sir  Tristram  leapt  up  lightly  and  left  Sir  Palomides, 
and  went  betwixt  Sir  Launcelot  and  Dinadan,  and  then  they 
began  to  do  battle  together. 

Right  so  Sir  Dinadan  gat  Sir  Tristram's  horse,  and  said 
on  high  that  Sir  Launcelot  might  hear  it :  My  lord  Sir  Tris- 


SIR  TRISTRAM  THE   BEST   KNIGHT         259 

tram,  take  your  horse.  And  when  Sir  Laimcelot  heard  him 
name  Sir  Tristram  :  Alas  !  said  Launcelot,  what  have  I  done  ? 
I  am  dishonoured.  Ah,  my  lord  Sir  Tristram,  said  Launce- 
lot, why  were  ye  disguised  ?  ye  have  put  yourself  in  great 
peril  this  day ;  but  I  pray  you  noble  knight  to  pardon  me,  for 
an  I  had  known  you  we  had  not  done  this  battle.  Sir,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  this  is  not  the  first  kindness  ye  showed  me. 
So  they  were  both  horsed  again. 

Then  all  the  people  on  the  one  side  gave  Sir  Launcelot 
the  honour  and  the  degree,  and  on  the  other  side  all  the 
people  gave  to  the  noble  knight  Sir  Tristram  the  honour 
and  the  degree ;  but  Launcelot  said  nay  thereto :  For  I  am 
not  worthy  to  have  this  honour,  for  I  will  report  me  unto 
all  knights  that  Sir  Tristram  hath  been  longer  in  the  field 
than  I,  and  he  hath  smitten  down  many  more  knights  this 
day  than  I  have  done.  And  therefore  I  will  give  Sir  Tris- 
tram my  voice  and  my  name,  and  so  I  pray  all  my  lords 
and  fellows  so  to  do.  Then  there  was  the  whole  voice  of 
dukes  and  earls,  barons  and  knights,  that  Sir  Tristram  this 
day  is  proved  the  best  knight. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  DEPARTED 
WITH  LA  BEALE  ISOUD,  AND  HOW 
PALOMIDES  FOLLOWED  AND  EX- 
CUSED HIM,  AND  HOW  KING 
ARTHUR  AND  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
CAME  UNTO  THEIR  PAVILIONS 
AS  THEY  SAT  AT  SUPPER,  AND 
OF  SIR  PALOMIDES.  Then  they  blew  unto  lodging,  and 
Queen  Isoud  was  led  unto  her  pavilions.  But  wit  you  well 
she  was  wroth  out  of  measure  with  Sir  Palomides,  for  she 


260  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

saw  all  his  treason  from  the  beginning  to  the  ending.  And 
all  this  while  neither  Sir  Tristram,  neither  Sir  Gareth  nor 
Dinadan,  knew  not  of  the  treason  of  Sir  Palomides ;  but 
afterward  ye  shall  hear  that  there  befell  the  greatest  debate 
betwixt  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir  Palomides  that  might  be. 

So  when  the  tournament  was  done,  Sir  Tristram,  Gareth, 
and  Dinadan,  rode  with  La  Beale  Isoud  to  these  pavilions. 
And  ever  Sir  Palomides  rode  with  them  in  their  company 
disguised  as  he  was.  But  when  Sir  Tristram  had  espied 
him  that  he  was  the  same  knight  with  the  shield  of  silver 
that  held  him  so  hot  that  day :  Sir  knight,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
wit  ye  well  here  is  none  that  hath  need  of  your  fellowship, 
and  therefore  I  pray  you  depart  from  us.  Sir  Palomides 
answered  again  as  though  he  had  not  known  Sir  Tristram : 
Wit  you  well,  sir  knight,  from  this  fellowship  will  I  never 
depart,  for  one  of  the  best  knights  of  the  world  commanded 
me  to  be  in  this  company,  and  till  he  discharge  me  of  my 
service  I  will  not  be  discharged.  By  that  Sir  Tristram  knew 
that  it  was  Sir  Palomides.  Ah,  Sir  Palomides,  said  the 
noble  knight  Sir  Tristram,  are  ye  such  a  knight  ?  Ye  have 
been  named  wrong,  for  ye  have  long  been  called  a  gentle 
knight,  and  as  this  day  ye  have  showed  me  great  ungentle- 
ness,  for  ye  had  almost  brought  me  unto  my  death.  But, 
as  for  you,  I  suppose  I  should  have  done  well  enough,  but 
Sir  Launcelot  with  you  was  overmuch ;  for  I  know  no  knight 
living  but  Sir  Launcelot  is  over  good  for  him,  an  he  will  do 
his  uttermost.  Alas,  said  Sir  Palomides,  are  ye  my  lord  Sir 
Tristram  ?  Yea,  sir,  and  that  ye  know  well  enough.  By 
my  knighthood,  said  Palomides,  until  now  I  knew  you  not ; 
I  weened  that  ye  had  been  the  King  of  Ireland,  for  well  I 
wot  ye  bare  his  arms.  His  arms  I  bare,  said  Sir  Tristram, 


OF   SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   SIR   PALOMIDES     261 

and  that  will  I  stand  by,  for  I  won  them  once  in  a  field  of  a 
full  noble  knight,  his  name  was  Sir  Marhaus  ;  and  with  great 
pain  I  won  that  knight,  for  there  was  none  other  recover,  but 
Sir  Marhaus  died  through  false  leeches ;  and  yet  was  he 
never  yolden  to  me.  Sir,  said  Palomides,  I  weened  ye  had 
been  turned  upon  Sir  Launcelot's  party,  and  that  caused  me 
to  turn.  Ye  say  well,  said  Sir  Tristram,  and  so  I  take  you, 
and  I  forgive  you. 

So  then  they  rode  into  their  pavilions ;  and  when  they 
were  alighted  they  unarmed  them  and  washed  their  faces 
and  hands,  and  so  went  unto  meat,  and  were  set  at  their 
table.  But  when  Isoud  saw  Sir  Palomides  she  changed 
then  her  colours,  and  for  wrath  she  might  not  speak.  Anon 
Sir  Tristram  espied  her  countenance  and  said :  Madam, 
for  what  cause  make  ye  us  such  cheer  ?  we  have  been  sore 
travailed  this  day.  Mine  own  lord,  said  La  Beale  Isoud,  be 
ye  not  displeased  with  me,  for  I  may  none  otherwise  do ; 
for  I  saw  this  day  how  ye  were  betrayed  and  nigh  brought 
to  your  death.  Truly,  sir,  I  saw  every  deal,  how  and  in 
what  wise,  and  therefore,  sir,  how  should  I  suffer  in  your 
presence  such  a  felon  and  traitor  as  Sir  Palomides ;  for  I  saw 
him  with  mine  eyes,  how  he  beheld  you  when  ye  went  out  of 
the  field.  For  ever  he  hoved  still  upon  his  horse  till  he  saw  you 
come  in  againward.  And  then  forthwithal  I  saw  him  ride  to 
the  hurt  knight,  and  changed  harness  with  him,  and  then 
straight  I  saw  him  how  he  rode  into  the  field.  And  anon  as 
he  had  found  you  he  encountered  with  you,  and  thus  wilfully 
Sir  Palomides  did  battle  with  you ;  and  as  for  him,  sir,  I 
was  not  greatly  afraid,  but  I  dread  sore  Launcelot,  that  knew 
you  not.  Madam,  said  Palomides,  ye  may  say  whatso  ye 
will,  I  may  not  contrary  you,  but  by  my  knighthood  I  knew 


262  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

not  Sir  Tristram.  Sir  Palomides,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will 
take  your  excuse,  but  well  I  wot  ye  spared  me  but  little ;  but 
all  is  pardoned  on  my  part.  Then  La  Beale  Isoud  held  down 
her  head  and  said  no  more  at  that  time. 

And  therewithal  two  knights  armed  came  unto  the  pa- 
vilion, and  there  they  alighted  both,  and  came  in  armed 
at  all  pieces.  Fair  knights,  said  Sir  Tristram,  ye  are  to 
blame  to  come  thus  armed  at  all  pieces  upon  me  while  we 
are  at  our  meat ;  if  ye  would  anything  when  we  were  in 
the  field  there  might  ye  have  eased  your  hearts.  Not  so, 
said  the  one  of  those  knights,  we  come  not  for  that  intent ; 
but  wit  ye  well  Sir  Tristram,  we  be  come  hither  as  your 
friends.  And  I  am  come  here,  said  the  one,  for  to  see  you, 
and  this  knight  is  come  for  to  see  La  Beale  Isoud.  Then 
said  Sir  Tristram :  I  require  you  do  off  your  helms  that  I 
may  see  you.  That  will  we  do  at  your  desire,  said  the 
knights.  And  when  their  helms  were  off,  then,  said  Sir 
Tristram  unto  La  Beale  Isoud,  Madam  arise,  for  here  is 
my  lord,  King  Arthur.  Then  the  king  and  the  queen  kissed, 
and  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Tristram  braced  either  other  in 
arms,  and  then  there  was  joy  without  measure ;  and  at  the 
request  of  La  Beale  Isoud,  King  Arthur  and  Launcelot  were 
unarmed,  and  then  there  was  merry  talking.  Madam,  said 
Sir  Arthur,  it  is  many  a  day  sithen  that  I  have  desired  to  see 
you,  for  ye  have  been  praised  so  far ;  and  now  I  dare  say  ye 
are  the  fairest  that  ever  I  saw,  and  Sir  Tristram  is  as  fair  and 
as  good  a  knight  as  any  that  I  know ;  therefore  me  seemeth 
ye  are  well  beset  together.  Sir,  God  thank  you,  said  the 
noble  knight,  Sir  Tristram,  and  Isoud ;  of  your  great  good- 
ness and  largess  ye  are  peerless.  Thus  they  talked  of  many 
things  and  of  all  the  whole  jousts.  But  for  what  cause,  said 


OF   KING  ARTHUR  AND   SIR  LAUNCELOT    263 

King  Arthur,  were  ye,  Sir  Tristram,  against  us  ?  Ye  are  a 
knight  of  the  Table  Round  ;  of  right  ye  should  have  been  with 
us.  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram,  here  is  Dinadan,  and  Sir  Gareth 
your  own  nephew,  caused  me  to  be  against  you.  My  lord 
Arthur,  said  Gareth,  I  may  well  bear  the  blame,  but  it  were 
Sir  Tristram's  own  deeds.  That  may  I  repent,  said  Dina- 
dan, for  this  unhappy  Sir  Tristram  brought  us  to  this 
tournament,  and  many  great  buffets  he  caused  us  to  have. 
Then  the  king  and  Launcelot  laughed  that  they  might 
not  sit. 

What  knight  was  that,  said  Arthur,  that  held  you  so 
short,  this  with  the  shield  of  silver  ?  Sir,  said  Sir  Tristram, 
here  he  sitteth  at  this  board.  What,  said  Arthur,  was  it 
Sir  Palomides  ?  Wit  ye  well  it  was  he,  said  La  Beale  Isoud. 
Truly,  said  Arthur,  that  was  unknightly  done  of  you  of  so 
good  a  knight,  for  I  have  heard  many  people  call  you  a  cour- 
teous knight.  Sir,  said  Palomides,  I  knew  not  Sir  Tris- 
tram, for  he  was  so  disguised.  It  may  well  be,  said  Launce- 
lot, for  I  knew  not  Sir  Tristram  ;  but  I  marvel  why  ye  turned 
on  our  party.  That  was  done  for  the  same  cause,  said  Palo- 
mides. As  for  that,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  have  pardoned  him, 
and  I  would  be  right  loath  to  leave  his  fellowship,  for  I  love 
right  well  his  company :  so  they  left  off  and  talked  of  other 
things. 

And  in  the  evening  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Launcelot  de- 
parted unto  their  lodging;  but  wit  ye  well  Sir  Palomides 
had  envy  heartily,  for  all  that  night  he  had  never  rest  in  his 
bed,  but  wailed  and  wept  out  of  measure.  So  on  the  morn 
Sir  Tristram,  Gareth,  and  Dinadan  arose  early,  and  then 
they  went  unto  Sir  Palomides'  chamber,  and  there  they  found 
him  fast  asleep,  for  he  had  all  night  watched,  and  it  was 


264  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM 

seen  upon  his  cheeks  that  he  had  wept  full  sore.  Say  nothing, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  for  I  am  sure  he  hath  taken  anger  and 
sorrow  for  the  rebuke  that  I  gave  to  him,  and  La  Beale  Isoud. 

HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  SIR  PALOMIDES 
DID  THE  THIRD  DAY  OF  THE  TOURNA- 
MENT, AND  HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  TURNED 
TO  KING  ARTHUR'S  SIDE,  AND  OF  THE  SORROW 
OF  SIR  PALOMIDES.  Then  Sir  Tristram  let  call  Sir 
Palomides,  and  bade  him  make  him  ready,  for  it  was  time 
to  go  to  the  field.  When  they  were  ready  they  were  armed, 
and  clothed  all  in  red,  both  Isoud  and  all  they ;  and  so  they 
led  her  passing  freshly  through  the  field,  into  the  priory 
where  was  her  lodging.  And  then  they  heard  three  blasts 
blow,  and  every  king  and  knight  dressed  him  unto  the  field. 
And  the  first  that  was  ready  to  joust  was  Sir  Palomides 
and  Sir  Kainus  le  Strange,  a  knight  of  the  Table  Round. 
And  so  they  two  encountered  together,  but  Sir  Palomides 
smote  Sir  Kainus  so  hard  that  he  smote  him  quite  over  his 
horse's  croup.  And  forthwithal  Sir  Palomides  smote  down 
another  knight,  and  brake  then  his  spear,  and  pulled  out  his 
sword  and  did  wonderly  well.  And  then  the  noise  began 
greatly  upon  Sir  Palomides.  Lo,  said  King  Arthur,  yonder 
Palomides  beginneth  to  play  his  pageant.  Truly,  said  Ar- 
thur, he  is  a  passing  good  knight.  And  right  as  they  stood 
talking  thus,  in  came  Sir  Tristram  as  thunder,  and  he  en- 
countered with  Sir  Kay  the  Seneschal,  and  there  he  smote 
him  down  quite  from  his  horse ;  and  with  that  same  spear 
Sir  Tristram  smote  down  three  knights  more,  and  then  he 
pulled  out  his  sword  and  did  marvellously.  Then  the  noise 
and  cry  changed  from  Sir  Palomides  and  turned  to  Sir  Tris- 


THE  THIRD  DAY  OF  THE  TOURNEY       265 

tram,  and  all  the  people  cried:    O  Tristram,  O  Tristram. 
And  then  was  Sir  Palomides  clean  forgotten. 

Then  Sir  Arthur  and  Sir  Launcelot  took  their  horses 
and  dressed  them,  and  gat  into  the  thickest  of  the  press. 
And  there  Sir  Tristram  unknowing  smote  down  King  Arthur, 
and  then  Sir  Launcelot  would  have  rescued  him,  but  there 
were  so  many  upon  Sir  Launcelot  that  they  pulled  him  down 
from  his  horse.  And  then  the  King  of  Ireland  and  the  King 
of  Scots  with  their  knights  did  their  pain  to  take  King  Ar- 
thur and  Sir  Launcelot  prisoner.  When  Sir  Launcelot  heard 
them  say  so,  he  fared  as  it  had  been  an  hungry  lion,  for  he 
fared  so  that  no  knight  durst  nigh  him. 

Then  came  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  and  he  bare  a  spear 
against  Sir  Palomides,  and  brast  it  upon  him  all  to  shivers. 
And  then  Sir  Ector  came  again  and  gave  Sir  Palomides 
such  a  dash  with  a  sword  that  he  stooped  down  upon  his 
saddle  bow.  And  forthwithal  Sir  Ector  pulled  down  Sir 
Palomides  under  his  feet ;  and  then  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  gat 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  an  horse,  and  brought  it  to  him,  and 
bade  him  mount  upon  him ;  but  Sir  Palomides  leapt  afore 
and  gat  the  horse  by  the  bridle,  and  leapt  into  the  saddle. 
So  God  me  help,  said  Launcelot,  ye  are  better  worthy  to 
have  that  horse  than  I.  Then  Sir  Ector  brought  Sir  Launce- 
lot another  horse.  Gramercy,  said  Launcelot  unto  his 
brother.  And  so  when  he  was  horsed  again,  with  one  spear 
he  smote  down  four  knights.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  brought 
to  King  Arthur  one  of  the  best  of  the  four  horses.  Then 
Sir  Launcelot  with  King  Arthur  and  a  few  of  his  knights  of 
Sir  Launcelot's  kin  did  marvellous  deeds ;  for  that  time,  as 
the  book  recordeth,  Sir  Launcelot  smote  down  and  pulled 
down  thirty  knights.  Notwithstanding  the  other  party  held 


266  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

them  so  fast  together  that  King  Arthur  and  his  knights  were 
overmatched.  And  when  Sir  Tristram  saw  that,  what 
labour  King  Arthur  and  his  knights,  and  in  especial  the  noble 
deeds  that  Sir  Launcelot  did  with  his  own  hands,  he  mar- 
velled greatly. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  called  unto  him  Sir  Palomides,  Sir 
Gareth,  and  Sir  Dinadan,  and  said  thus  to  them :  My  fair 
fellows,  wit  ye  well  that  I  will  turn  unto  King  Arthur's  party, 
for  I  saw  never  so  few  men  do  so  well,  and  it  will  be  shame 
unto  us  knights  that  be  of  the  Round  Table  to  see  our  lord 
King  Arthur,  and  that  noble  knight  Sir  Launcelot,  to  be 
dishonoured.  It  will  be  well  done,  said  Sir  Gareth  and  Sir 
Dinadan.  Do  your  best,  said  Palomides,  for  I  will  not  change 
my  party  that  I  came  in  withal.  That  is  for  my  sake,  said 
Sir  Tristram ;  God  speed  you  in  your  journey.  And  so  de- 
parted Sir  Palomides  from  them.  Then  Sir  Tristram,  Ga- 
reth, and  Dinadan,  turned  with  Sir  Launcelot.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  smote  down  the  King  of  Ireland  quite  from 
his  horse ;  and  so  Sir  Launcelot  smote  down  the  King  of 
Scots,  and  the  King  of  Wales ;  and  then  Sir  Arthur  ran  unto 
Sir  Palomides  and  smote  him  quite  from  his  horse ;  and 
then  Sir  Tristram  bare  down  all  that  he  met,  and  Sir  Gareth 
and  Sir  Dinadan  did  there  as  noble  knights ;  then  all  the 
parties  began  to  flee.  Alas,  said  Palomides,  that  ever  I  should 
see  this  day,  for  now  have  I  lost  all  the  worship  that  I  won ; 
and  then  Sir  Palomides  went  his  way  wailing,  and  so  with- 
drew him  till  he  came  to  a  well,  and  there  he  put  his  horse 
from  him,  and  did  off  his  armour,  and  wailed  and  wept  like 
as  he  had  been  a  wood  man.  Then  many  knights  gave  the 
prize  to  Sir  Tristram,  and  there  were  many  that  gave  the 
prize  unto  Sir  Launcelot.  Fair  lords,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I 


HOW  SIR   PALOMIDES   MADE   DOLE         267 

thank  you  of  the  honour  ye  would  give  me,  but  I  pray  you 
heartily  that  ye  would  give  your  voice  to  Sir  Launcelot,  for 
by  my  faith,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  will  give  Sir  Launcelot  my 
voice.  But  Sir  Launcelot  would  not  have  it,  and  so  the  prize 
was  given  betwixt  them  both. 

Then  every  man  rode  to  his  lodging,  and  Sir  Bleoberis 
and  Sir  Ector  rode  with  Sir  Tristram  and  La  Beale  Isoud 
unto  their  pavilions.  Then  as  Sir  Palomides  was  at  the 
well  wailing  and  weeping,  there  came  by  him  fleeing  the 
kings  of  Wales  and  of  Scotland,  and  they  saw  Sir  Palomides 
in  that  arage.  Alas,  said  they,  that  so  noble  a  man  as  ye 
be  should  be  in  this  array.  And  then  those  kings  gat  Sir 
Palomides'  horse  again,  and  made  him  to  arm  him  and 
mount  upon  his  horse,  and  so  he  rode  with  them,  making 
great  dole.  So  when  Sir  Palomides  came  nigh  the  pavilions 
thereas  Sir  Tristram  and  La  Beale  Isoud  was  in,  then  Sir 
Palomides  prayed  the  two  kings  to  abide  him  there  the  while 
that  he  spake  with  Sir  Tristram.  And  when  he  came  to  the 
port  of  the  pavilions,  Sir  Palomides  said  on  high :  Where 
art  thou,  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones  ?  Sir,  said  Dinadan,  that 
is  Palomides.  What,  Sir  Palomides,  will  ye  not  come  in  here 
among  us  ?  Fie  on  thee,  traitor,  said  Palomides,  for  wit 
you  well  an  it  were  daylight  as  it  is  night  I  should  slay  thee, 
mine  own  hands.  And  if  ever  I  may  get  thee,  said  Palomides, 
thou  shalt  die  for  this  day's  deed.  Sir  Palomides,  said  Sir 
Tristram,  ye  wite  me  with  wrong,  for  had  ye  done  as  I  did 
ye  had  won  worship.  But  sithen  ye  give  me  so  large  warn- 
ing I  shall  be  well  ware  of  you.  Fie  on  thee,  traitor,  said 
Palomides,  and  therewith  departed. 

Then  on  the  morn  Sir  Tristram,  Bleoberis,  and  Sir  Ector 
de  Maris,  Sir  Gareth,  Sir  Dinadan,  what  by  water  and  what 


268  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

by  land,  they  brought  La  Beale  Isoud  unto  Joyous  Card, 
and  there  reposed  them  a  seven  night,  and  made  all  the  mirths 
and  disports  that  they  could  devise.  And  King  Arthur  and 
his  knights  drew  unto  Camelot,  and  Sir  Palomides  rode  with 
the  two  kings ;  and  ever  he  made  the  greatest  dole  that  any 
man  could  think,  for  he  was  not  all  only  so  dolorous  for  the 
departing  from  La  Beale  Isoud,  but  he  was  a  part  as  sorrow- 
ful to  depart  from  the  fellowship  of  Sir  Tristram ;  for  Sir 
Tristram  was  so  kind  and  so  gentle  that  when  Sir  Palomides 
remembered  him  thereof  he  might  never  be  merry. 


HOW  ON  A  DAY  SIR  TRISTRAM 
DEPARTED  UNARMED  AND  MET 
WITH  SIR  PALOMIDES,  AND  HOW 
THEY  SMOTE  EACH  OTHER,  AND 
HOW  SIR  PALOMIDES  FORBARE 
HIM,  AND  HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  GAT  HARNESS 
OF  A  HURT  KNIGHT  AND  OVERTHREW  SIR 
PALOMIDES  AND  MADE  HIM  BE  'CHRISTENED. 
And  so  on  a  day  Sir  Tristram  was  riding  with  no  more  harness 
of  war  but  his  spear  and  his  sword,  and  saw  afore  him  where 
Sir  Palomides  had  stricken  down  a  knight,  and  almost  wounded 
him  to  the  death.  Then  Sir  Tristram  repented  him  that  he 
was  not  armed,  and  then  he  hoved  still.  With  that  Sir  Palo- 
mides knew  Sir  Tristram,  and  cried  on  high :  Sir  Tristram, 
now  be  we  well  met,  for  ere  we  depart  we  will  redress  our 
old  sores.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Tristram,  there  was  yet  never 
Christian  man  might  make  his  boast  that  ever  I  fled  from  him  ; 
and  wit  ye  well,  Sir  Palomides,  thou  that  art  a  Saracen  shall 
never  make  thy  boast  that  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones  shall  flee 
from  thee.  And  therewith  Sir  Tristram  made  his  horse  to  run, 


OF   SIR  TRISTRAM  AND   SIR   PALOMIDES    269 

and  with  all  his  might  he  came  straight  upon  Sir  Palomides, 
and  brast  his  spear  upon  him  an  hundred  pieces.  And  forth- 
withal  Sir  Tristram  drew  his  sword.  And  then  he  turned  his 
horse  and  struck  at  Palomides  six  great  strokes  upon  his  helm  ; 
and  then  Sir  Palomides  stood  still,  and  beheld  Sir  Tristram, 
and  marvelled  of  his  woodness,  and  of  his  folly.  And  then  Sir 
Palomides  said  to  himself:  An  Sir  Tristram  were  armed,  it 
were  hard  to  cease  him  of  this  battle,  and  if  I  turn  again  and 
slay  him  I  am  ashamed  wheresomever  that  I  go. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  spake  and  said :  Thou  coward  knight, 
what  castest  thou  to  do ;  why  wilt  thou  not  do  battle  with 
me  ?  for  have  thou  no  doubt  I  shall  endure  all  thy  malice. 
Ah,  Sir  Tristram,  said  Palomides,  full  well  thou  wottest 
I  may  not  fight  with  thee  for  shame,  for  thou  art  here  naked 
and  I  am  armed,  and  if  I  slay  thee,  dishonour  shall  be  mine. 
Now,  I  require  you,  tell  me  a  question  that  I  shall  say  to 
you.  Tell  me  what  it  is,  said  Sir  Tristram,  and  I  shall  answer 
you  the  truth.  I  put  case,  said  Sir  Palomides,  that  ye  were 
armed  at  all  rights  as  well  as  I  am,  and  I  naked  as  ye  be, 
what  would  you  do  to  me  now,  by  your  true  knighthood  ? 
Ah,  said  Sir  Tristram,  now  I  understand  thee  well,  Sir  Palo- 
mides, for  now  must  I  say  mine  own  judgment,  and  as  God 
me  bless,  that  I  shall  say  shall  not  be  said  for  no  fear  that 
I  have  of  thee.  But  this  is  all :  wit,  Sir  Palomides,  as  at 
this  time  thou  shouldest  depart  from  me,  for  I  would  not 
have  ado  with  thee.  No  more  will  I,  said  Palomides,  and 
therefore  ride  forth  on  thy  way.  As  for  that  I  may  choose, 
said  Sir  Tristram,  either  to  ride  or  to  abide.  But  Sir  Palo- 
mides, said  Sir  Tristram,  I  marvel  of  one  thing,  that  thou 
that  art  so  good  a  knight,  that  thou  wilt  not  be  christened, 
and  thy  brother,  Sir  Safere,  hath  been  christened  many  a  day. 


270  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

As  for  that,  said  Sir  Palomides,  I  may  not  yet  be  chris- 
tened, for  one  avow  that  I  have  made  many  years  agone ; 
howbeit  in  my  heart  I  believe  in  Jesu  Christ  and  his  mild 
mother  Mary  ;  but  I  have  but  one  battle  to  do,  and  when  that 
is  done  I  will  be  baptised  with  a  good  will.  By  my  head,  said 
Tristram,  as  for  one  battle  thou  shalt  not  seek  it  no  longer. 
For  God  defend,  said  Sir  Tristram,  that  through  my  default 
thou  shouldst  longer  live  thus  a  Saracen.  For  yonder  is  a 
knight  that  ye,  Sir  Palomides,  have  hurt  and  smitten  down ; 
now  help  me  that  I  were  armed  in  his  armour,  and  I  shall  soon 
fulfil  thine  avows.  As  ye  will,  said  Palomides,  so  it  shall  be. 

So  they  rode  both  unto  that  knight  that  sat  upon  a  bank, 
and  then  Sir  Tristram  saluted  him,  and  he  weakly  saluted 
him  again.  Sir  knight,  said  Sir  Tristram,  I  require  you  tell 
me  your  right  name.  Sir,  he  said,  my  name  is  Sir  Galleron 
of  Galway,  and  knight  of  the  Table  Round.  Truly,  said 
Sir  Tristram,  I  am  right  heavy  of  your  hurts  ;  but  this  is  all, 
I  must  pray  you  to  lend  me  all  your  whole  armour,  for  ye 
see  I  am  unarmed,  and  I  must  do  battle  with  this  knight. 
Sir,  said  the  hurt  knight,  ye  shall  have  it  with  a  good  will ; 
but  ye  must  beware,  for  I  warn  you  that  knight  is  wight. 
Sir,  said  Galleron,  I  pray  you  tell  me  your  name,  and  what 
is  that  knight's  name  that  hath  beaten  me.  Sir,  as  for  my 
name  it  is  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones,  and  as  for  the  knight's 
name  that  hath  hurt  you  it  is  Sir  Palomides,  brother  to  the 
good  knight  Sir  Safere,  and  yet  is  Sir  Palomides  unchristened. 
Alas,  said  Sir  Galleron,  that  is  pity  that  so  good  a  knight  and 
so  noble  a  man  of  arms  should  be  unchristened.  Either  he 
shall  slay  me,  said  Sir  Tristram,  or  I  him,  but  that  he  shall 
be  christened  or  ever  we  depart  insunder.  My  lord  Sir  Tris- 
tram, said  Sir  Galleron,  your  renown  and  worship  is  well 


HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM   GAT  HARNESS        271 

known  through  many  realms,  and  God  save  you  this  day 
from  shenship  and  shame. 

Then  Sir  Tristram  unarmed  Galleron,  the  which  was  a 
noble  knight,  and  had  done  many  deeds  of  arms,  and  he 
was  a  large  knight  of  flesh  and  bone.  And  when  he  was 
unarmed  he  stood  upon  his  feet,  for  he  was  brised  in  the 
back  with  a  spear ;  yet  so  as  Sir  Galleron  might,  he  armed 
Sir  Tristram.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  mounted  upon  his 
own  horse,  and  in  his  hand  he  gat  Sir  Galleron's  spear ;  and 
therewithal  Sir  Palomides  was  ready.  And  so  they  came 
hurtling  together,  and  either  smote  other  in  midst  of  their 
shields ;  and  therewithal  Sir  Palomides'  spear  brake,  and 
Sir  Tristram  smote  down  the  horse ;  and  Sir  Palomides,  as 
soon  as  he  might,  avoided  his  horse,  and  dressed  his  shield, 
and  pulled  out  his  sword.  That  saw  Sir  Tristram,  and 
therewithal  he  alighted  and  tied  his  horse  to  a  tree. 

And  then  they  came  together  as  two  wild  boars,  lashing 
together,  tracing  and  traversing  as  noble  men  that  oft  had 
been  well  proved  in  battle ;  but  ever  Sir  Palomides  dread 
the  might  of  Sir  Tristram,  and  therefore  he  suffered  him 
to  breathe  him.  Thus  they  fought  more  than  two  hours, 
but  often  Sir  Tristram  smote  such  strokes  at  Sir  Palomides 
that  he  made  him  to  kneel ;  and  Sir  Palomides  brake  and 
cut  away  many  pieces  of  Sir  Tristram's  shield ;  and  then 
Sir  Palomides  wounded  Sir  Tristram,  for  he  was  a  well 
fighting  man.  Then  Sir  Tristram  was  wood  wroth  out  of 
measure,  and  rushed  upon  Sir  Palomides  with  such  a  might 
that  Sir  Palomides  fell  grovelling  to  the  earth ;  and  there- 
withal he  leapt  up  lightly  upon  his  feet,  and  then  Sir  Tris- 
tram wounded  Palomides  sore  through  the  shoulder.  And 
ever  Sir  Tristram  fought  still  in  like  hard,  and  Sir  Palomides 


272  OF   SIR  TRISTRAM 

failed  not,  but  gave  him  many  sad  strokes.  And  at  the  last 
Sir  Tristram  doubled  his  strokes,  and  by  fortune  Sir  Tristram 
smote  Sir  Palomides'  sword  out  of  his  hand,  and  if  Sir  Palo- 
mides  had  stooped  for  his  sword  he  had  been  slain. 

Then  Palomides  stood  still  and  beheld  his  sword  with 
a  sorrowful  heart.  How  now,  said  Sir  Tristram  unto  Palo- 
mides, now  have  I  thee  at  advantage  as  thou  haddest  me 
this  day;  but  it  shall  never  be  said  in  no  court,  nor  among 
good  knights,  that  Sir  Tristram  shall  slay  any  knight  that  is 
weaponless ;  and  therefore  take  thou  thy  sword,  and  let 
us  make  an  end  of  this  battle.  As  for  to  do  this  battle, 
said  Palomides,  I  dare  right  well  end  it ;  but  I  have  no  great 
lust  to  fight  no  more.  And  for  this  cause,  said  Palomides : 
mine  offence  to  you  is  not  so  great  but  that  we  may  be  friends. 
All  that  I  have  offended  is  and  was  for  the  love  of  La  Beale 
Isoud.  And  as  for  her,  I  dare  say  she  is  peerless  above 
all  other  ladies,  and  also  I  proffered  her  never  no  dishonour ; 
and  by  her  I  have  gotten  the  most  part  of  my  worship.  And 
sithen  I  offended  never  as  to  her  own  person,  and  as  for  the 
offence  that  I  have  done,  it  was  against  your  own  person, 
and  for  that  offence  ye  have  given  me  this  day  many  sad 
strokes,  and  some  I  have  given  you  again ;  and  now  I  dare 
say  I  felt  never  man  of  your  might,  nor  so  well  breathed, 
but  if  it  were  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake ;  wherefore  I  require 
you,  my  lord,  forgive  me  all  that  I  have  offended  unto  you ; 
and  this  same  day  have  me  to  the  next  church,  and  first  let 
me  be  clean  confessed,  and  after  see  you  now  that  I  be  truly 
baptised.  And  then  will  we  all  ride  together  unto  the  court 
of  Arthur,  that  we  be  there  at  the  high  feast.  Now  take 
your  horse,  said  Sir  Tristram,  and  as  ye  say  so  it  shall  be, 
and  all  thine  evil  will  God  forgive  it  you,  and  I  do.  And  here 


HOW  SIR   PALOMIDES   WAS   CHRISTENED    273 

within  this  mile  is  the  Suffragan  of  Carlisle  that  shall  give 
you  the  sacrament  of  baptism. 

Then  they  took  their  horses  and  Sir  Galleron  rode  with 
them.  And  when  they  came  to  the  Suffragan  Sir  Tristram 
told  him  their  desire.  Then  the  Suffragan  let  fill  a  great 
vessel  with  water,  and  when  he  had  hallowed  it  he  then 
confessed  clean  Sir  Palomides,  and  Sir  Tristram  and  Sir 
Galleron  were  his  godfathers.  And  then  soon  after  they 
departed,  riding  toward  Camelot,  where  King  Arthur  and 
Queen  Guenever  was,  and  for  the  most  part  all  the  knights 
of  the  Round  Table.  And  so  the  king  and  all  the  court 
were  glad  that  Sir  Palomides  was  christened.  And  at  the 
same  feast  in  came  Galahad  and  sat  in  the  Siege  Perilous. 
And  so  therewithal  departed  and  dissevered  all  the  knights 
of  the  Round  Table.  And  Sir  Tristram  returned  again  unto 
Joyous  Card,  and  Sir  Palomides  followed  the  Questing  Beast. 


OF    SIR    LAUNCELOT    AND    DAME 

ELAINE 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  HOLP  A 
DOLOROUS  LADY  FROM  HER 
PAIN,  AND  FOUGHT  WITH  A 
DRAGON,  AND  OF  THE  BE- 
GETTING OF  SIR  GALAHAD. 
Now  leave  we  Sir  Tristram  de  Liones, 
and  speak  we  of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake, 

and  of  Sir  Galahad,  Sir  Launcelot's  son, 

how  he  was  born,  and  in  what  manner, 

as  the  book  of  French  rehearseth.  Afore  the  time  that  Sir 
Galahad  was  born,  there  came  in  an  hermit  unto  King  Ar- 
thur upon  Whitsunday,  as  the  knights  sat  at  the  Table  Round. 
And  when  the  hermit  saw  the  Siege  Perilous,  he  asked  the 
king  and  all  the  knights  why  that  siege  was  void.  Sir  Ar- 
thur and  all  the  knights  answered :  There  shall  never  none 
sit  in  that  siege  but  one,  but  if  he  be  destroyed.  Then  said 
the  hermit :  Wot  ye  what  is  he  ?  Nay,  said  Arthur  and 
all  the  knights,  we  wot  not  who  is  he  that  shall  sit  therein. 
Then  wot  I,  said  the  hermit,  for  he  that  shall  sit  there  is 
unborn,  and  this  same  year  he  shall  be  born  that  shall  sit 
there  in  that  Siege  Perilous,  and  he  shall  win  the  Sangreal. 
When  this  hermit  had  made  this  mention  he  departed  from 
the  court  of  King  Arthur. 

274 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  275 

And  then  after  this  feast  Sir  Launcelot  rode  on  his  adven- 
ture, till  on  a  time  by  adventure  he  passed  over  the  bridge 
of  Corbin ;  and  there  he  saw  the  fairest  tower  that  ever  he 
saw,  and  there-under  was  a  fair  town  full  of  people ;  and 
all  the  people,  men  and  women,  cried  at  once :  Welcome, 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  the  flower  of  all  knighthood,  for 
by  thee  all  we  shall  be  holpen  out  of  danger.  What  mean 
ye,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  ye  cry  so  upon  me  ?  Ah,  fair 
knight,  said  they  all,  here  is  within  this  tower  a  dolorous 
lady  that  hath  been  there  in  pains  many  winters  and  days, 
for  ever  she  boileth  in  scalding  water ;  and  but  late,  said  all 
the  people,  Sir  Gawaine  was  here  and  he  might  not  help 
her,  and  so  he  left  her  in  pain.  So  may  I,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
leave  her  in  pain  as  well  as  Sir  Gawaine  did.  Nay,  said  the 
people,  we  know  well  that  it  is  Sir  Launcelot  that  shall  de- 
liver her.  Well,  said  Launcelot,  then  shew  me  what  I  shall 
do. 

Then  they  brought  Sir  Launcelot  into  the  tower;  and 
when  he  came  to  the  chamber  thereas  this  lady  was,  the 
doors  of  iron  unlocked  and  unbolted.  And  so  Sir  Launce- 
lot went  into  the  chamber  that  was  as  hot  as  any  stew.  And 
there  Sir  Launcelot  took  the  fairest  lady  by  the  hand  that 
ever  he  saw,  and  she  was  naked  as  a  needle  ;  and  by  enchant- 
ment Queen  Morgan  le  Fay  and  the  Queen  of  Northgalis 
had  put  her  there  in  that  pains,  because  she  was  called  the 
fairest  lady  of  that  country;  and  there  she  had  been  five 
years,  and  never  might  she  be  delivered  out  of  her  great 
pains  unto  the  time  the  best  knight  of  the  world  had  taken 
her  by  the  hand.  Then  the  people  brought  her  clothes. 
And  when  she  was  arrayed,  Sir  Launcelot  thought  she  was 
the  fairest  lady  of  the  world,  but  if  it  were  Queen  Guenever. 


276    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

Then  this  lady  said  to  Sir  Launcelot :  Sir,  if  it  please 
you  will  ye  go  with  me  hereby  into  a  chapel  that  we  may 
give  loving  and  thanking  unto  God  ?  Madam,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  come  on  with  me,  I  will  go  with  you.  So  when 
they  came  there  and  gave  thankings  to  God  all  the  people, 
both  learned  and  lewd,  gave  thankings  unto  God  and  him, 
and  said :  Sir  knight,  since  ye  have  delivered  this  lady,  ye 
shall  deliver  us  from  a  serpent  there  is  here  in  a  tomb.  Then 
Sir  Launcelot  took  his  shield  and  said :  Bring  me  thither, 
and  what  I  may  do  unto  the  pleasure  of  God  and  you  I  will 
do.  So  when  Sir  Launcelot  came  thither  he  saw  written 
upon  the  tomb  letters  of  gold  that  said  thus :  Here  shall 
come  a  leopard  of  king's  blood,  and  he  shall  slay  this  serpent, 
and  this  leopard  shall  engender  a  lion  in  this  foreign  country, 
the  which  lion  shall  pass  all  other  knights.  So  then  Sir 
Launcelot  lift  up  the  tomb,  and  there  came  out  an  horrible 
and  a  fiendly  dragon,  spitting  fire  out  of  his  mouth.  Then 
Sir  Launcelot  drew  his  sword  and  fought  with  the  dragon 
long,  and  at  the  last  with  great  pain  Sir  Launcelot  slew  that 
dragon. 

Therewithal  came  King  Pelles,  the  good  and  noble  knight, 
and  saluted  Sir  Launcelot,  and  he  him  again.  Fair  knight, 
said  the  king,  what  is  your  name  ?  I  require  you  of  your 
knighthood  tell  me !  Sir,  said  Launcelot,  wit  you  well  my 
name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  And  my  name  is,  said  the 
king,  Pelles,  king  of  the  foreign  country,  and  cousin  nigh 
unto  Joseph  of  Aramathie.  And  then  either  of  them  made 
much  of  other,  and  so  they  went  into  the  castle  to  take  their 
repast.  And  anon  there  came  in  a  dove  at  a  window,  and 
in  her  mouth  there  seemed  a  little  censer  of  gold.  And 
therewithal  there  was  such  a  savour  as  all  the  spicery  of  the 


HOW  SIR   LAUNCELOT  CAME  TO   PELLES    277 

world  had  been  there.  And  forthwithal  there  was  upon 
the  table  all  manner  of  meats  and  drinks  that  they  could 
think  upon.  So  came  in  a  damosel  passing  fair  and  young, 
and  she  bare  a  vessel  of  gold  betwixt  her  hands ;  and  thereto 
the  king  kneeled  devoutly,  and  said  his  prayers,  and  so  did 
all  that  were  there.  Then,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  What  may 
this  mean  ?  This  is,  said  the  king,  the  richest  thing  that 
any  man  hath  living.  And  when  this  thing  goeth  about, 
the  Round  Table  shall  be  broken ;  and  wit  thou  well,  said 
the  king,  this  is  the  holy  Sangreal  that  ye  have  here  seen. 
So  the  king  and  Sir  Launcelot  led  their  life  the  most  part 
of  that  day.  And  fain  would  King  Pelles  have  found  the 
mean  to  have  had  Sir  Launcelot  to  love  his  daughter,  fair 
Elaine.  And  for  this  intent :  the  king  knew  well  that 
Sir  Launcelot  should  have  a  child  by  his  daughter,  the  which 
should  be  named  Sir  Galahad  the  good  knight,  by  whom 
all  the  foreign  country  should  be  brought  out  of  danger,  and 
by  him  the  Holy  Greal  should  be  achieved. 

Then  came  forth  a  lady  that  hight  Dame  Brisen,  and 
she  said  unto  the  king :  Sir,  wit  ye  well  Sir  Launcelot  loveth 
no  lady  in  the  world  but  all  only  Queen  Guenever ;  and 
therefore  work  ye  by  counsel,  and  I  shall  make  him  to  see 
your  daughter,  and  he  shall  not  wit  but  that  he  seeth  Queen 
Guenever.  O  fair  lady,  Dame  Brisen,  said  the  king,  hope  ye 
to  bring  this  about  ?  Sir,  said  she,  upon  pain  of  my  life 
let  me  deal.  For  this  Brisen  was  one  of  the  greatest  enchant- 
resses that  was  at  that  time  in  the  world  living.  Then  anon 
by  Dame  Brisen's  wit  she  made  one  to  come  to  Sir  Launcelot 
that  he  knew  well.  And  this  man  brought  him  a  ring  from 
Queen  Guenever  like  as  it  had  come  from  her,  and  such  one 
as  she  was  wont  for  the  most  part  to  wear;  and  when  Sir 


278    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

Launcelot  saw  that  token  wit  ye  well  he  was  never  so  fain. 
Where  is  my  lady  ?  said  Sir  Launcelot.  In  the  Castle  of 
Case,  said  the  messenger,  but  five  mile  hence.  Then  Sir 
Launcelot  thought  to  be  there  the  same  night.  And  then 
this  Brisen  by  the  commandment  of  King  Pelles  let  send 
Elaine  to  this  castle  with  twenty-five  knights  unto  the  Castle 
of  Case.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  against  night  rode  unto  that 
castle,  and  there  anon  he  was  received  worshipfully  with  such 
people,  to  his  seeming,  as  were  about  Queen  Guenever. 

So  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  alighted,  then  Dame  Brisen 
brought  him  a  cup  full  of  wine ;  and  anon  as  he  had  drunken 
that  wine  he  was  so  assotted  that  he  weened  that  maiden 
Elaine  had  been  Queen  Guenever.  Wit  you  well  that  Sir 
Launcelot  was  glad,  and  so  was  that  lady  Elaine,  for  well 
she  knew  that  of  them  should  be  born  Galahad  that  should 
prove  the  best  knight  of  the  world  ;  and  all  the  windows 
and  holes  of  that  chamber  were  stopped  that  no  manner  of 
day  might  be  seen.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  remembered 
him,  and  he  arose  up  and  went  to  the  window. 

And  anon  as  he  had  unshut  the  window  the  enchantment 
was  gone ;  then  he  knew  himself  that  he  had  been  deceived. 
Alas,  he  said,  that  I  have  lived  so  long ;  now  I  am  shamed. 
So  then  he  gat  his  sword  in  his  hand  and  said  :  Thou  traitress, 
what  art  thou  ?  thou  shalt  die  right  here  of  my  hands.  Then 
this  fair  lady  Elaine  kneeled  down  afore  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
said :  Fair  courteous  knight,  come  of  king's  blood,  I  require 
you  have  mercy  upon  me,  and  as  thou  art  renowned  the 
most  noble  knight  of  the  world,  slay  me  not,  for  I  shall  have 
a  son  by  thee  that  shall  be  the  most  noblest  knight  of  the 
world.  Ah,  false  traitress,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  why  hast 
thou  betrayed  me  ?  anon  tell  me  what  thou  art.  Sir,  she 


OF  THE   BIRTH  OF  GALAHAD  279 

said,  I  am  Elaine,  the  daughter  of  King  Pelles.  Well,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  I  will  forgive  you  this  deed  ;  and  therewith 
he  took  her  up  in  his  arms,  and  kissed  her,  for  she  was  as 
fair  a  lady,  and  thereto  lusty  and  young,  and  as  wise,  as  any 
was  that  time  living.  I  may  not  wite  this  to  you,  said  Sir 
Launcelot ;  but  her  that  made  this  enchantment  upon  me  as 
between  you  and  me,  an  I  may  find  her,  that  same  Lady  Brisen, 
she  shall  lose  her  head  for  witchcrafts,  for  there  was  never 
knight  deceived  so  as  I  am  this  night.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot 
arrayed  him,  and  armed  him,  and  took  his  leave  mildly  at 
that  lady  young  Elaine,  and  so  he  departed.  Then  she 
said :  My  lord  Sir  Launcelot,  I  beseech  you  see  me  as  soon 
as  ye  may,  for  I  have  obeyed  me  unto  the  prophecy  that  my 
father  told  me.  And  by  his  commandment  to  fulfil  this 
prophecy  I  have  given  the  greatest  riches  and  the  fairest 
flower  that  ever  I  had,  and  that  is  my  maidenhood  that  I 
shall  never  have  again ;  and  therefore,  gentle  knight,  owe 
me  your  goodwill. 

And  so  Sir  Launcelot  arrayed  him  and  was  armed,  and 
took  his  leave  mildly  at  that  young  lady  Elaine ;  and  so  he 
departed,  and  rode  till  he  came  to  the  Castle  of  Corbin,  where 
her  father  was.  And  as  fast  as  her  time  came  she  was  de- 
livered of  a  fair  child,  and  they  christened  him  Galahad  ;  and 
wit  ye  well  that  child  was  well  kept  and  well  nourished,  and 
he  was  named  Galahad  because  Sir  Launcelot  was  so  named 
at  the  fountain  stone ;  and  after  that  the  Lady  of  the  Lake 
confirmed  him  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake. 

Then  after  this  lady  was  delivered  and  churched,  there 
came  a  knight  unto  her,  his  name  was  Sir  Bromel  la  Pleche, 
the  which  was  a  great  lord  ;  and  he  had  loved  that  lady  long, 
and  he  evermore  desired  her  to  wed  her ;  and  so  by  no  mean 


280    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

she  could  put  him  off,  till  on  a  day  she  said  to  Sir  Bromel  : 
Wit  thou  well,  sir  knight,  I  will  not  love  you,  for  my  love  is 
set  upon  the  best  knight  of  the  world.  Who  is  he  ?  said  Sir 
Bromel.  Sir,  she  said,  it  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  that  I 
love  and  none  other,  and  therefore  woo  me  no  longer.  Ye 
say  well,  said  Sir  Bromel,  and  sithen  ye  have  told  me  so  much, 
ye  shall  have  but  little  joy  of  Sir  Launcelot,  for  I  shall  slay 
him  wheresomever  I  meet  him.  Sir,  said  the  Lady  Elaine, 
do  to  him  no  treason.  Wit  ye  well,  my  lady,  said  Bromel,  and 
I  promise  you  this  twelvemonth  I  shall  keep  the  pont  of 
Corbin  for  Sir  Launcelot's  sake,  that  he  shall  neither  come  nor 
go  unto  you,  but  I  shall  meet  with  him. 

OF  THE  ADVENTURES  OF  SIR  BORS  AT 
THE  CASTLE  OF  CORBIN,  AND  HOW  HE 
WAS  FED  WITH  THE  SANGREAL.  Then  as 
it  fell  by  fortune  and  adventure,  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis, 
that  was  nephew  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  came  over 
that  bridge ;  and  there  Sir  Bromel  and  Sir  Bors  jousted,  and 
Sir  Bors  smote  Sir  Bromel  such  a  buffet  that  he  bare  him 
over  his  horse's  croup.  And  then  Sir  Bromel,  as  an  hardy 
knight,  pulled  out  his  sword,  and  dressed  his  shield  to  do 
battle  with  Sir  Bors.  And  then  Sir  Bors  alighted  and  avoided 
his  horse,  and  there  they  dashed  together  many  sad  strokes ; 
and  long  thus  they  fought,  till  at  the  last  Sir  Bromel  was 
laid  to  the  earth,  and  there  Sir  Bors  began  to  unlace  his 
helm  to  slay  him.  Then  Sir  Bromel  cried  Sir  Bors  mercy, 
and  yielded  him.  Upon  this  covenant  thou  shalt  have 
thy  life,  said  Sir  Bors,  so  thou  go  unto  Sir  Launcelot  upon 
Whitsunday  that  next  cometh,  and  yield  thee  unto  him  as 
knight  recreant.  I  will  do  it,  said  Sir  Bromel,  and  that  he 


XXX 


OF   KING   PELLES  AND   SIR   BORS  281 

sware  upon  the  cross  of  the  sword.  And  so  Sir  Bors  let  him 
depart,  and  rode  unto  King  Pelles,  that  was  within  Corbin. 

And  when  the  king  and  Elaine  his  daughter  wist  that 
Sir  Bors  was  nephew  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  they  made  him 
great  cheer.  Then  said  Dame  Elaine :  We  marvel  where 
Sir  Launcelot  is,  for  he  came  never  here  but  once.  Marvel 
not,  said  Sir  Bors,  for  this  half  year  he  hath  been  in  prison 
with  Queen  Morgan  le  Fay,  King  Arthur's  sister.  Alas, 
said  Dame  Elaine,  that  me  repenteth.  And  ever  Sir  Bors 
beheld  that  child  in  her  arms,  and  ever  him  seemed  it  was 
passing  like  Sir  Launcelot.  Truly,  said  Elaine,  wit  ye  well 
this  is  his  child.  Then  Sir  Bors  wept  for  joy,  and  he  prayed 
to  God  it  might  prove  as  good  a  knight  as  his  father  was. 
And  so  came  in  a  white  dove,  and  she  bare  a  little  censer 
of  gold  in  her  mouth,  and  there  was  all  manner  of  meats  and 
drinks  ;  and  a  maiden  bare  that  Sangreal,  and  she  said  openly : 
Wit  you  well,  Sir  Bors,  that  this  child  is  Galahad,  that  shall 
sit  in  the  Siege  Perilous,  and  achieve  the  Sangreal,  and  he 
shall  be  much  better  than  ever  was  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake, 
that  is  his  own  father.  And  then  they  kneeled  down  and 
made  their  devotions,  and  there  was  such  a  savour  as  all  the 
spicery  in  the  world  had  been  there.  And  when  the  dove 
took  her  flight,  the  maiden  vanished  with  the  Sangreal  as 
she  came. 

Sir,  said  Sir  Bors  unto  King  Pelles,  this  castle  may  be 
named  the  Castle  Adventurous,  for  here  be  many  strange 
adventures.  That  is  sooth,  said  the  king,  for  well  may  this 
place  be  called  the  adventurous  place,  for  there  come  but 
few  knights  here  that  go  away  with  any  worship  ;  be  he  never 
so  strong,  here  he  may  be  proved ;  and  but  late  Sir  Gawaine, 
the  good  knight,  gat  but  little  worship  here.  For  I  let  you 


282    OF  SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

wit,  said  King  Pelles,  here  shall  no  knight  win  no  worship 
but  if  he  be  of  worship  himself  and  of  good  living,  and  that 
loveth  God  and  dreadeth  God,  and  else  he  getteth  no  wor- 
ship here,  be  he  never  so  hardy.  That  is  a  wonderful  thing, 
said  Sir  Bors.  What  ye  mean  in  this  country  I  wot  not,  for 
ye  have  many  strange  adventures,  and  therefore  I  will  lie  in 
this  castle  this  night.  Ye  shall  not  do  so,  said  King  Pelles, 
by  my  counsel,  for  it  is  hard  an  ye  escape  without  a  shame. 
I  shall  take  the  adventure  that  will  befall  me,  said  Sir  Bors. 
Then  I  counsel  you,  said  the  king,  to  be  confessed  clean. 
As  for  that,  said  Sir  Bors,  I  will  be  shriven  with  a  good  will. 
So  Sir  Bors  was  confessed,  and  for  all  women  Sir  Bors  was 
a  virgin,  save  for  one,  that  was  the  daughter  of  King  Bran- 
goris,  and  their  child  hight  Elaine,  and  save  for  her  Sir  Bors 
was  a  clean  maiden. 

And  so  Sir  Bors  was  led  unto  bed  in  a  fair  large  chamber, 
and  many  doors  were  shut  about  the  chamber.  When  Sir 
Bors  espied  all  those  doors,  he  avoided  all  the  people,  for  he 
might  have  nobody  with  him ;  but  in  no  wise  Sir  Bors  would 
unarm  him,  but  so  he  laid  him  down  upon  the  bed.  And 
right  so  he  saw  come  in  a  light,  that  he  might  well  see  a  spear 
great  and  long  that  came  straight  upon  him  pointling,  and 
to  Sir  Bors  seemed  that  the  head  of  the  spear  brent  like  a 
taper.  And  anon,  ere  Sir  Bors  wist,  the  spear  head  smote 
him  into  the  shoulder  an  handbreadth  in  deepness,  and  that 
wound  grieved  Sir  Bors  passing  sore.  And  then  he  laid  him 
down  again  for  pain ;  and  anon  therewithal  there  came  a 
knight  armed  with  his  shield  on  his  shoulder  and  his  sword 
in  his  hand,  and  he  bade  Sir  Bors :  Arise,  sir  knight,  and 
fight  with  me.  I  am  sore  hurt,  he  said,  but  yet  I  shall  not 
fail  thee.  And  then  Sir  Bors  started  up  and  dressed  his 


OF   SIR   BORS  AND   HIS  ADVENTURES       283 

shield  ;  and  then  they  lashed  together  mightily  a  great  while ; 
and  at  the  last  Sir  Bors  bare  him  backward  until  that  he  came 
unto  a  chamber  door,  and  there  that  knight  went  into  that 
chamber  and  rested  him  a  great  while.  And  when  he  had 
reposed  him  he  came  out  freshly  again,  and  began  new  battle 
with  Sir  Bors  mightily  and  strongly. 

Then  Sir  Bors  thought  he  should  no  more  go  into  that 
chamber  to  rest  him,  and  so  Sir  Bors  dressed  him  betwixt 
the  knight  and  that  chamber  door,  and  there  Sir  Bors  smote 
him  down,  and  then  that  knight  yielded  him.  What  is 
your  name  ?  said  Sir  Bors.  Sir,  said  he,  my  name  is  Pedivere 
of  the  Straight  Marches.  So  Sir  Bors  made  him  to  swear 
at  Whitsunday  next  coming  to  be  at  the  court  of  King  Arthur, 
and  yield  him  there  as  a  prisoner  as  an  overcome  knight 
by  the  hands  of  Sir  Bors.  So  thus  departed  Sir  Pedivere 
of  the  Straight  Marches.  And  then  Sir  Bors  laid  him  down 
to  rest,  and  then  he  heard  and  felt  much  noise  in  that  chamber ; 
and  then  Sir  Bors  espied  that  there  came  in,  he  wist  not 
whether  at  the  doors  nor  windows,  shot  of  arrows  and  of 
quarrels  so  thick  that  he  marvelled,  and  many  fell  upon  him 
and  hurt  him  in  the  bare  places. 

And  then  Sir  Bors  was  ware  where  came  in  an  hideous 
lion ;  so  Sir  Bors  dressed  him  unto  the  lion,  and  anon  the 
lion  bereft  him  his  shield,  and  with  his  sword  Sir  Bors  smote 
off  the  lion's  head.  Right  so  Sir  Bors  forthwithal  saw  a 
dragon  in  the  court  passing  horrible,  and  there  seemed  letters 
of  gold  written  in  his  forehead ;  and  Sir  Bors  thought  that 
the  letters  made  a  signification  of  King  Arthur.  Right 
so  there  came  an  horrible  leopard  and  an  old,  and  there 
they  fought  long,  and  did  great  battle  together.  And  at 
the  last  the  dragon  spit  out  of  his  mouth  as  it  had  been  an 


284    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

hundred  dragons ;  and  lightly  all  the  small  dragons  slew 
the  old  dragon  and  tare  him  all  to  pieces. 

Anon  withal  there  came  an  old  man  into  the  hall,  and 
he  sat  him  down  in  a  fair  chair,  and  there  seemed  to  be  two 
adders  about  his  neck ;  and  then  the  old  man  had  an  harp, 
and  there  he  sang  an  old  song  how  Joseph  of  Aramathie 
came  into  this  land.  Then  when  he  had  sung,  the  old  man 
bade  Sir  Bors  go  from  thence.  For  here  shall  ye  have  no 
more  adventures ;  and  full  worshipfully  have  ye  done,  and 
better  shall  ye  do  hereafter.  And  then  Sir  Bors  seemed 
that  there  came  the  whitest  dove  with  a  little  golden  censer 
in  her  mouth.  And  anon  therewithal  the  tempest  ceased 
and  passed,  that  afore  was  marvellous  to  hear.  So  was  all 
that  court  full  of  good  savours.  Then  Sir  Bors  saw  four 
children  bearing  four  fair  tapers,  and  an  old  man  in  the 
midst  of  the  children  with  a  censer  in  his  one  hand,  and  a 
spear  in  his  other  hand,  and  that  spear  was  called  the  Spear 
of  Vengeance. 

Now,  said  that  old  man  to  Sir  Bors,  go  ye  to  your  cousin, 
Sir  Launcelot,  and  tell  him  of  this  adventure  the  which 
had  been  most  convenient  for  him  of  all  earthly  knights ; 
but  sin  is  so  foul  in  him  he  may  not  achieve  such  holy  deeds, 
for  had  not  been  his  sin  he  had  passed  all  the  knights  that 
ever  were  in  his  days ;  and  tell  thou  Sir  Launcelot,  of  all 
worldly  adventures  he  passeth  in  manhood  and  prowess 
all  other,  but  in  these  spiritual  matters  he  shall  have  many 
his  better.  And  then  Sir  Bors  saw  four  gentlewomen  come 
by  him,  purely  beseen :  and  he  saw  where  that  they  entered 
into  a  chamber  where  was  great  light  as  it  were  a  summer 
light ;  and  the  women  kneeled  down  afore  an  altar  of  silver 
with  four  pillars,  and  as  it  had  been  a  bishop  kneeled  down 


HOW  DAME   ELAINE   CAME  TO  CAMELOT    285 

afore  that  table  of  silver.  And  as  Sir  Bors  looked  over  his 
head  he  saw  a  sword  like  silver,  naked,  hoving  over  his  head, 
and  the  clearness  thereof  smote  so  in  his  eyes  that  as  at  that 
time  Sir  Bors  was  blind ;  and  there  he  heard  a  voice  that 
said :  Go  hence,  thou  Sir  Bors,  for  as  yet  thou  art  not  worthy 
for  to  be  in  this  place.  And  then  he  went  backward  to  his 
bed  till  on  the  morn.  And  on  the  morn  King  Pelles  made  great 
joy  of  Sir  Bors ;  and  then  he  departed  and  rode  to  Camelot, 
and  there  he  found  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  told  him  of 
the  adventures  that  he  had  seen  with  King  Pelles  at  Corbin. 
So  the  noise  sprang  in  Arthur's  court  that  Launcelot 
had  a  child  by  Elaine,  the  daughter  of  King  Pelles,  where- 
fore Queen  Guenever  was  wroth,  and  gave  many  rebukes 
to  Sir  Launcelot,  and  called  him  false  knight.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  told  the  queen  all,  and  how  he  was  made  to 
meet  her  by  enchantment  in  likeness  of  the  queen.  So 
the  queen  held  Sir  Launcelot  excused.  And  as  the  book 
saith,  King  Arthur  had  been  in  France,  and  had  made  war 
upon  the  mighty  King  Claudas,  and  had  won  much  of  his 
lands.  And  when  the  king  was  come  again  he  let  cry  a 
great  feast,  that  all  lords  and  ladies  of  all  England  should  be 
there,  but  if  it  were  such  as  were  rebellious  against  him. 

HOW    DAME    ELAINE,     GALAHAD'S    MOTHER, 
CAME    IN    GREAT    ESTATE    UNTO    CAME- 
LOT,    AND     HOW     SIR     LAUNCELOT     BE- 
HAVED   HIM    THERE.     And    when    Dame    Elaine,    the 
daughter  of  King  Pelles,  heard  of  this  feast  she  went  to  her 
father  and  required  him  that  he  would  give  her  leave  to  ride 
to  that  feast.     The  king  answered  :   I  will  well  ye  go  thither, 
but  in  any  wise  as  ye  love  me  and  will  have  my  blessing,  that 


286    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

ye  be  well  beseen  in  the  richest  wise ;  and  look  that  ye  spare 
not  for  no  cost ;  ask  and  ye  shall  have  all  that  you  needeth. 
Then  by  the  advice  of  Dame  Brisen,  her  maiden,  all  thing  was 
apparelled  unto  the  purpose,  that  there  was  never  no  lady 
more  richlier  beseen.  So  she  rode  with  twenty  knights,  and 
ten  ladies,  and  gentlewomen,  to  the  number  of  an  hundred 
horses.  And  when  she  came  to  Camelot,  King  Arthur  and 
Queen  Guenever  said,  and  all  the  knights,  that  Dame  Elaine 
was  the  fairest  and  the  best  beseen  lady  that  ever  was  seen 
in  that  court.  And  anon  as  King  Arthur  wist  that  she  was 
come  he  met  her  and  saluted  her,  and  so  did  the  most  part 
of  all  the  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  both  Sir  Tristram, 
Sir  Bleoberis,  and  Sir  Gawaine,  and  many  more  that  I  will 
not  rehearse.  But  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  her  he  was  so 
ashamed,  and  that  because  he  drew  his  sword  on  her,  that 
he  would  not  salute  her  nor  speak  to  her ;  and  yet  Sir  Launce- 
lot thought  she  was  the  fairest  woman  that  ever  he  saw  in 
his  life-days. 

But  when  Dame  Elaine  saw  Sir  Launcelot  that  would 
not  speak  unto  her  she  was  so  heavy  that  she  weened  her 
heart  would  have  to-brast ;  for  wit  you  well,  out  of  measure 
she  loved  him.  And  then  Elaine  said  unto  her  woman, 
Dame  Brisen :  The  unkindness  of  Sir  Launcelot  slayeth 
me  near.  Ah,  peace,  madam,  said  Dame  Brisen,  I  will 
undertake  that  he  shall  come  to  you,  an  ye  would  hold  you 
still.  That  were  me  liefer,  said  Dame  Elaine,  than  all  the 
gold  that  is  above  the  earth.  Let  me  deal,  said  Dame  Brisen. 
So  when  Elaine  was  brought  unto  Queen  Guenever  either 
made  other  good  cheer  by  countenance,  but  nothing  with 
hearts.  But  all  men  and  women  spake  of  the  beauty  of 
Dame  Elaine,  and  of  her  great  riches. 


OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER     287 

Then  the  queen  commanded  that  Dame  Elaine  should 
sleep  in  a  chamber  nigh  her  chamber,  and  all  under  one 
roof;  and  so  it  was  done  as  the  queen  commanded.  Then 
the  queen  sent  for  Sir  Launcelot  and  bade  him  come  to  her : 
Or  else  I  am  sure,  said  the  queen,  that  ye  will  go  to  your 
lady,  Dame  Elaine,  by  whom  ye  had  Galahad.  Ah,  madam, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  never  say  ye  so,  for  that  was  against  my 
will.  Then,  said  the  queen,  look  that  ye  come  to  me  when  I 
send  for  you.  Madam,  said  Launcelot,  I  shall  not  fail  you, 
but  I  shall  be  ready  at  your  commandment.  This  bargain 
was  soon  done  and  made  between  them,  but  Dame  Brisen 
knew  it  by  her  crafts,  and  told  it  to  her  lady,  Dame  Elaine. 
Alas,  said  she,  how  shall  I  do  ?  Let  me  deal,  said  Dame 
Brisen,  for  I  shall  bring  him  by  the  hand  even  to  you,  and 
he  shall  ween  that  I  am  Queen  Guenever's  messenger.  Now 
well  is  me,  said  Dame  Elaine,  for  all  the  world  I  love  not 
so  much  as  I  do  Sir  Launcelot. 

So  then  Dame  Brisen  came  to  Sir  Launcelot  and  said : 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  my  lady,  Queen  Guenever,  awaiteth 
upon  .you.  O  my  fair  lady,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  am  ready 
to  go  with  you  where  ye  will  have  me.  So  Sir  Launcelot 
took  his  sword  in  his  hand ;  and  then  Dame  Brisen  took  him 
by  the  finger  and  led  him  to  her  lady,  Dame  Elaine ;  and 
then  she  departed  and  left  them  together.  Wit  ye  well  the 
lady  was  glad,  and  so  was  Sir  Launcelot,  for  he  weened  that 
it  was  the  queen. 

Then  Queen  Guenever  sent  one  of  her  women  unto  Sir 
Launcelot ;  and  when  she  came  there  she  found  he  was  away ; 
so  she  came  to  the  queen  and  told  her  all.  Alas,  said  the 
queen,  where  is  that  false  knight  become  ?  Then  the  queen 
was  nigh  out  of  her  wit,  and  then  she  writhed  and  weltered 


288    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

as  a  mad  woman,  and  at  the  last  the  queen  met  with  Sir 
Launcelot ;  and  thus  she  said :  False  traitor  knight  that 
thou  art,  look  thou  never  abide  in  my  court,  and  not  so  hardy, 
thou  false  traitor  knight  that  thou  art,  that  ever  thou  come 
in  my  sight.  Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  therewith  he 
took  such  an  heartly  sorrow  at  her  words  that  he  fell  down 
to  the  floor  in  a  swoon.  And  therewithal  Queen  Guenever 
departed.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  awoke  of  his  swoon,  he 
leapt  out  at  a  bay  window  into  a  garden,  and  there  with 
thorns  he  was  all  to-scratched  in  his  visage  and  his  body ; 
and  so  he  ran  forth  he  wist  not  whither,  and  was  wild  wood 
as  ever  was  man ;  and  so  he  ran  two  year,  and  never  man 
might  have  grace  to  know  him. 

HOW  DAME  ELAINE  WAS  COM- 
MANDED BY  QUEEN  GUENEVER  TO 
AVOID  THE  COURT,  AND  HOW  SIR 
LAUNCELOT  BECAME  MAD,  AND  OF 
THE  SORROW  OF  QUEEN  GUEN- 
EVER. Now  turn  we  unto  Queen  Guenever  and  to  the  fair 
Lady  Elaine.  When  Dame  Elaine  heard  the  queen  so  to 
rebuke  Sir  Launcelot,  and  also  she  saw  how  he  swooned,  and 
how  he  leaped  out  at  a  bay  window,  then  she  said  unto  Queen 
Guenever :  Madam,  ye  are  greatly  to  blame  for  Sir  Launce- 
lot, for  now  have  ye  lost  him,  for  I  saw  and  heard  by  his 
countenance  that  he  is  mad  for  ever.  Alas,  madam,  ye  do 
great  sin,  and  to  yourself  great  dishonour,  for  ye  have  a  lord 
of  your  own,  and  therefore  it  is  your  part  to  love  him ;  for 
there  is  no  queen  in  this  world  hath  such  another  king  as 
ye  have.  And,  if  ye  were  not,  I  might  have  the  love  of 
my  lord  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  cause  I  have  to  love  him  for 


OF  QUEEN  GUENEVER  AND   ELAINE        289 

I  am  his,  and  by  him  I  have  borne  a  fair  son,  and  his  name 
is  Galahad,  and  he  shall  be  in  his  time  the  best  knight  of  the 
world.  Dame  Elaine,  said  the  queen,  when  it  is  daylight  I 
charge  you  and  command  you  to  avoid  my  court ;  and  for 
the  love  ye  owe  unto  Sir  Launcelot  discover  not  his  counsel, 
for  an  ye  do,  it  will  be  his  death.  As  for  that,  said  Dame 
Elaine,  I  dare  undertake  he  is  marred  for  ever,  and  that 
have  ye  made ;  for  ye,  nor  I,  are  like  to  rejoice  him ;  for  he 
made  the  most  piteous  groans  when  he  leapt  out  at  yonder 
bay  window  that  ever  I  heard  man  make.  Alas,  said  fair 
Elaine,  and  alas,  said  the  Queen  Guenever,  for  now  I  wot 
well  we  have  lost  him  for  ever. 

So  on  the  morn  Dame  Elaine  took  her  leave  to  depart, 
and  she  would  no  longer  abide.  Then  King  Arthur  brought 
her  on  her  way  with  mo  than  an  hundred  knights  through 
a  forest.  And  by  the  way  she  told  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis  all 
how  it  betid,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot  leapt  out  at  a  window, 
araged  out  of  his  wit.  Alas,  said  Sir  Bors,  where  is  my  lord, 
Sir  Launcelot,  become  ?  Sir,  said  Elaine,  I  wot  never.  Alas, 
said  Sir  Bors,  betwixt  you  both  ye  have  destroyed  that  good 
knight.  As  for  me,  said  Dame  Elaine,  I  said  never  nor  did 
never  thing  that  should  in  any  wise  displease  him,  but  with 
the  rebuke  that  Queen  Guenever  gave  him  I  saw  him  swoon 
to  the  earth ;  and  when  he  awoke  he  took  his  sword  in  his 
hand  and  leapt  out  at  a  window  with  the  grisliest  groan 
that  ever  I  heard  man  make.  Now  farewell,  Dame  Elaine, 
said  Sir  Bors,  and  hold  my  lord  Arthur  with  a  tale  as  long 
as  ye  can,  for  I  will  turn  again  to  Queen  Guenever  and  give 
her  a  hete  ;  and  I  require  you,  as  ever  ye  will  have  my  service, 
make  good  watch  and  espy  if  ever  ye  may  see  my  lord  Sir 
Launcelot.  Truly,  said  fair  Elaine,  I  shall  do  all  that  I  may 


29o    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

do,  for  as  fain  would  I  know  and  wit  where  he  is  become, 
as  you,  or  any  of  his  kin,  or  Queen  Guenever ;  and  cause 
great  enough  have  I  thereto  as  well  as  any  other.  And 
wit  ye  well,  said  fair  Elaine  to  Sir  Bors,  I  would  lose  my  life 
for  him  rather  than  he  should  be  hurt ;  but  alas,  I  cast  me 
never  for  to  see  him,  and  the  chief  causer  of  this  is  Dame 
Guenever.  Madam,  said  Dame  Brisen,  the  which  had  made  the 
enchantment  before  betwixt  Sir  Launcelot  and  her,  I  pray 
you  heartily,  let  Sir  Bors  depart,  and  hie  him  with  all  his 
might  as  fast  as  he  may  to  seek  Sir  Launcelot,  for  I  warn 
you  he  is  clean  out  of  his  mind ;  and  yet  he  shall  be  well 
holpen  an  but  by  miracle. 

Then  wept  Dame  Elaine,  and  so  did  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis ; 
and  so  they  departed,  and  Sir  Bors  rode  straight  unto  Queen 
Guenever.  And  when  she  saw  Sir  Bors  she  wept  as  she 
were  wood.  Fie  on  your  weeping,  said  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis, 
for  ye  weep  never  but  when  there  is  no  bote.  Alas,  said  Sir 
Bors,  that  ever  Sir  Launcelot's  kin  saw  you,  for  now  have 
ye  lost  the  best  knight  of  our  blood,  and  he  that  was  all  our 
leader  and  our  succour;  and  I  dare  say  and  make  it  good 
that  all  kings,  Christian  nor  heathen,  may  not  find  such  a 
knight,  for  to  speak  of  his  nobleness  and  courtesy,  with  his 
beauty  and  his  gentleness.  Alas,  said  Sir  Bors,  what  shall 
we  do  that  be  of  his  blood  ?  Alas,  said  Sir  Ector  de  Maris. 
Alas,  said  Lionel. 

And  when  the  queen  heard  them  say  so  she  fell  to  the 
earth  in  a  dead  swoon.  And  then  Sir  Bors  took  her  up, 
and  dawed  her;  and  when  she  was  awaked  she  kneeled 
afore  the  three  knights,  and  held  up  both  her  hands,  and 
besought  them  to  seek  him.  And  spare  not  for  no  goods 
but  that  he  be  found,  for  I  wot  he  is  out  of  his  mind.  And 


OF  THE  SORROW  FOR   SIR  LAUNCELOT    291 

Sir  Bors,  Sir  Ector,  and  Sir  Lionel  departed  from  the  queen, 
for  they  might  not  abide  no  longer  for  sorrow.  And  then 
the  queen  sent  them  treasure  enough  for  their  expenses, 
and  so  they  took  their  horses  and  their  armour,  and  departed. 
And  then  they  rode  from  country  to  country,  in  forests,  and 
in  wilderness,  and  in  wastes ;  and  ever  they  laid  watch  both 
at  forests  and  at  all  manner  of  men  as  they  rode,  to  hearken 
and  spere  after  him,  as  he  that  was  a  naked  man,  in  his  shirt, 
with  a  sword  in  his  hand.  And  thus  they  rode  nigh  a  quarter 
of  a  year,  endlong  and  overthwart,  in  many  places,  forests 
and  wilderness,  and  oft-times  were  evil  lodged  for  his  sake ; 
and  yet  for  all  their  labour  and  seeking  could  they  never 
hear  word  of  him.  And  wit  you  well  these  three  knights 
were  passing  sorry. 

Then  at  the  last  Sir  Bors  and  his  fellows  met  with  a  knight 
that  hight  Sir  Melion  de  Tartare.  Now  fair  knight,  said 
Sir  Bors,  whither  be  ye  away  ?  for  they  knew  either  other 
afore  time.  Sir,  said  Melion,  I  am  in  the  way  toward  the  court 
of  King  Arthur.  Then  we  pray  you,  said  Sir  Bors,  that  ye 
will  tell  my  lord  Arthur,  and  my  lady,  Queen  Guenever, 
and  all  the  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table,  that  we  cannot 
in  no  wise  hear  tell  where  Sir  Launcelot  is  become.  Then 
Sir  Melion  departed  from  them,  and  said  that  he  would  tell 
the  king,  and  the  queen,  and  all  the  fellowship  of  the  Round 
Table,  as  they  had  desired  him.  So  when  Sir  Melion  came 
to  the  court  of  King  Arthur  he  told  the  king,  and  the  queen, 
and  all  the  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table,  what  Sir  Bors 
had  said  of  Sir  Launcelot.  Then  Sir  Gawaine,  Sir  Uwaine, 
Sir  Sagramore  le  Desirous,  Sir  Aglovale,  and  Sir  Percivale 
de  Galis  took  upon  them  by  the  great  desire  of  King  Arthur, 
and  in  especial  by  the  queen,  to  seek  throughout  all  England, 


292    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

Wales,  and  Scotland,  to  find  Sir  Launcelot,  and  with  them 
rode  eighteen  knights  mo  to  bear  them  fellowship ;  and 
wit  ye  well,  they  lacked  no  manner  of  spending;  and  so 
were  they  three  and  twenty  knights. 

And  thus  as  these  noble  knights  rode  together,  they  by 
one  assent  departed,  and  then  they  rode  by  two,  by  three, 
and  by  four,  and  by  five,  and  ever  they  assigned  where  they 
should  meet.  And  so  Sir  Aglovale  and  Sir  Percivale  rode 
together  unto  their  mother  that  was  a  queen  in  those  days. 
And  when  she  saw  her  two  sons,  for  joy  she  wept  tenderly. 
And  then  she  said :  Ah,  my  dear  sons,  when  your  father 
was  slain  he  left  me  four  sons,  of  the  which  now  be  twain 
slain.  And  for  the  death  of  my  noble  son,  Sir  Lamorak, 
shall  my  heart  never  be  glad.  And  then  she  kneeled  down 
upon  her  knees  to-fore  Aglovale  and  Sir  Percivale,  and  be- 
sought them  to  abide  at  home  with  her.  Ah,  sweet  mother, 
said  Sir  Percivale,  we  may  not,  for  we  be  come  of  king's 
blood  of  both  parties,  and  therefore,  mother,  it  is  our  kind 
to  haunt  arms  and  noble  deeds.  Alas,  my  sweet  sons,  then 
she  said,  for  your  sakes  I  shall  lose  my  liking  and  lust,  and 
then  wind  and  weather  I  may  not  endure,  what  for  the  death 
of  your  father,  King  Pellinore,  that  was  shamefully  slain 
by  the  hands  of  Sir  Gawaine,  and  his  brother,  Sir  Gaheris  : 
and  they  slew  him  not  manly  but  by  treason.  Ah,  my 
dear  sons,  this  is  a  piteous  complaint  for  me  of  your  father's 
death,  considering  also  the  death  of  Sir  Lamorak,  that  of 
knighthood  had  but  few  fellows.  Now,  my  dear  sons, 
have  this  in  your  mind.  Then  there  was  but  weeping  and 
sobbing  in  the  court  when  they  should  depart,  and  she  fell 
a-swooning  in  midst  of  the  court. 


OF  SIR   PERCIVALE  AND   SIR   PERSIDES    293 

HOW  SIR  PERCIVALE  SOUGHT  FOR  SIR 
LAUNCELOT,  HOW  HE  FOUGHT  WITH  SIR 
ECTOR,  AND  HOW  THEY  WERE  BOTH 
MADE  WHOLE  BY  THE  COMING  OF  THE  SAN- 
GREAL.  Then  Sir  Percivale  and  Sir  Aglovale  rode  into 
many  countries,  ever  inquiring  after  Sir  Launcelot,  but  never 
they  could  hear  of  him ;  and  at  the  last  they  came  to  a  castle 
that  hight  Cardican,  and  there  they  were  lodged  together. 
And  privily  about  midnight  Sir  Percivale  came  to  Aglovale's 
squire  and  said :  Arise  and  make  thee  ready,  for  ye  and  I 
will  ride  away  secretly.  Sir,  said  the  squire,  I  would  full 
fain  ride  with  you  where  ye  would  have  me,  but  an  my  lord, 
your  brother,  take  me  he  will  slay  me.  As  for  that  care 
thou  not,  for  I  shall  be  thy  warrant. 

And  so  Sir  Percivale  rode  till  it  was  after  noon,  and  then 
he  came  upon  a  bridge  of  stone,  and  there  he  found  a  knight 
that  was  bound  with  a  chain  fast  about  the  waist  unto  a 
pillar  of  stone.  O  fair  knight,  said  that  bound  knight,  I 
require  thee  loose  me  of  my  bonds.  What  knight  are  ye, 
said  Sir  Percivale,  and  for  what  cause  are  ye  so  bound  ?  Sir, 
I  shall  tell  you,  said  that  knight :  I  am  a  knight  of  the  Table 
Round,  and  my  name  is  Sir  Persides  ;  and  thus  by  adven- 
ture I  came  this  way,  and  here  I  lodged  in  this  castle  at  the 
bridge  foot,  and  therein  dwelleth  an  uncourteous  lady ; 
and  because  she  proffered  me  to  be  her  paramour,  and  I 
refused  her,  she  set  her  men  upon  me  suddenly  or  ever  I 
might  come  to  my  weapon ;  and  thus  they  bound  me,  and 
here  I  wot  well  I  shall  die  but  if  some  man  of  worship  break 
my  bands.  Be  ye  of  good  cheer,  said  Sir  Percivale,  and 
because  ye  are  a  knight  of  the  Round  Table  as  well  as  I,  I 
trust  to  God  to  break  your  bands.  And  therewith  Sir  Per- 


294    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

civale  pulled  out  his  sword  and  struck  at  the  chain  with 
such  a  might  that  he  cut  a-two  the  chain,  and  through  Sir 
Persides'  hauberk  and  hurt  him  a  little.  That  was  a  mighty 
stroke  as  ever  I  felt  one,  said  Sir  Persides,  for  had  not  the 
chain  been  ye  had  slain  me. 

And  therewithal  Sir  Persides  saw  a  knight  coming  out 
of  a  castle  all  that  ever  he  might  fling.  Beware,  sir,  said 
Sir  Persides,  yonder  cometh  a  man  that  will  have  ado  with 
you.  Let  him  come,  said  Sir  Percivale.  And  so  he  met 
with  that  knight  in  midst  of  the  bridge ;  and  Sir  Percivale 
gave  him  such  a  buffet  that  he  smote  him  quite  from  his 
horse  and  over  a  part  of  the  bridge,  that,  had  not  been  a 
little  vessel  under  the  bridge,  that  knight  had  been  drowned. 
And  then  Sir  Percivale  took  the  knight's  horse  and  made 
Sir  Persides  to  mount  up  him ;  and  so  they  rode  unto  the 
castle,  and  bade  the  lady  deliver  Sir  Persides'  servants,  or 
else  he  would  slay  all  that  ever  he  found ;  and  so  for  fear 
she  delivered  them  all.  Then  was  Sir  Percivale  ware  of  a 
lady  that  stood  in  that  tower.  Ah,  madam,  said  Sir  Percivale, 
what  use  and  custom  is  that  in  a  lady  to  destroy  good  knights 
but  if  they  will  be  your  paramour  ?  Forsooth  this  is  a  shame- 
ful custom  of  a  lady,  and  if  I  had  not  a  great  matter  in  my 
hand  I  should  fordo  your  evil  customs. 

And  so  Sir  Persides  brought  Sir  Percivale  unto  his  own 
castle,  and  there  he  made  him  great  cheer  all  that  night. 
And  on  the  morn,  when  Sir  Percivale  had  heard  mass  and 
broken  his  fast,  he  bade  Sir  Persides  ride  unto  King  Arthur: 
And  tell  the  king  how  that  ye  met  with  me ;  and  tell  my 
brother,  Sir  Aglovale,  how  I  rescued  you ;  and  bid  him 
seek  not  after  me,  for  I  am  in  the  quest  to  seek  Sir  Launcelot 
du  Lake,  and  though  he  seek  me  he  shall  not  find  me ;  and 


OF   SIR   PERCIVALE  AND   SIR   ECTOR       295 

tell  him  I  will  never  see  him,  nor  the  court,  till  I  have  found 
Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  Sir  Persides  departed  from  Sir  Per- 
civale,  and  then  he  rode  unto  King  Arthur,  and  told  there 
of  Sir  Percivale.  And  when  Sir  Aglovale  heard  him  speak 
of  his  brother  Sir  Percivale,  he  said :  He  departed  from  me 
unkindly. 

And  now  will  we  turn  unto  Sir  Percivale  that  rode  long; 
and  in  a  forest  he  met  a  knight  with  a  broken  shield  and  a 
broken  helm ;  and  as  soon  as  either  saw  other  readily  they 
made  them  ready  to  joust,  and  so  hurtled  together  with  all 
the  might  of  their  horses,  and  met  together  so  hard,  that 
Sir  Percivale  was  smitten  to  the  earth.  And  then  Sir  Perci- 
vale arose  lightly,  and  cast  his  shield  on  his  shoulder  and 
drew  his  sword,  and  bade  the  other  knight :  Alight,  and 
do  we  battle  unto  the  uttermost.  Will  ye  more  ?  said  that 
knight.  And  therewith  he  alighted,  and  put  his  horse  from 
him ;  and  then  they  came  together  an  easy  pace,  and  there 
they  lashed  together  with  noble  swords,  and  sometime  they 
struck  and  sometime  they  foined,  and  either  gave  other 
many  great  wounds.  Thus  they  fought  near  half  a  day, 
and  never  rested  but  right  little,  and  there  was  none  of  them 
both  that  had  less  wounds  than  fifteen,  and  they  bled  so 
much  that  it  was  marvel  they  stood  on  their  feet.  But 
this  knight  that  fought  with  Sir  Percivale  was  a  proved  knight 
and  a  wise-fighting  knight,  and  Sir  Percivale  was  young 
and  strong,  not  knowing  in  fighting  as  the  other  was. 

Then  Sir  Percivale  spoke  first,  and  said :  Sir  knight, 
hold  thy  hand  a  while  still,  for  we  have  fought  for  a  simple 
matter  and  quarrel  overlong,  and  therefore  I  require  thee 
tell  me  thy  name,  for  I  was  never  or  this  time  matched. 
So  God  me  help,  said  that  knight,  and  never  or  this  time 


296    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

was  there  never  knight  that  wounded  me  so  sore  as  thou 
hast  done,  and  yet  have  I  fought  in  many  battles ;  and  now 
shalt  thou  wit  that  I  am  a  knight  of  the  Table  Round,  and 
my  name  is  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  brother  unto  the  good  knight, 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  Alas,  said  Sir  Percivale,  and  my 
name  is  Sir  Percivale  de  Galis  that  hath  made  my  quest 
to  seek  Sir  Launcelot,  and  now  I  am  sure  that  I  shall  never 
finish  my  quest,  for  ye  have  slain  me  with  your  hands.  It 
is  not  so,  said  Sir  Ector,  for  I  am  slain  by  your  hands,  and 
may  not  live.  Therefore  I  require  you,  said  Sir  Ector  unto 
Sir  Percivale,  ride  ye  hereby  to  a  priory,  and  bring  me  a 
priest  that  I  may  receive  my  Saviour,  for  I  may  not  live. 
And  when  ye  come  to  the  court  of  King  Arthur  tell  not  my 
brother,  Sir  Launcelot,  how  that  ye  slew  me,  for  then  he 
would  be  your  mortal  enemy,  but  ye  may  say  that  I  was 
slain  in  my  quest  as  I  sought  him.  Alas,  said  Sir  Percivale, 
ye  say  that  never  will  be,  for  I  am  so  faint  for  bleeding  that 
I  may  unnethe  stand,  how  should  I  then  take  my  horse  ? 

Then  they  made  both  great  dole  out  of  measure.  This 
will  not  avail,  said  Sir  Percivale.  And  then  he  kneeled 
down  and  made  his  prayer  devoutly  unto  Almighty  Jesu, 
for  he  was  one  of  the  best  knights  of  the  world  that  at  that 
time  was,  in  whom  the  very  faith  stood  most  in.  Right 
so  there  came  by  the  holy  vessel  of  the  Sangreal  with  all 
manner  of  sweetness  and  savour ;  but  they  could  not  readily 
see  who  that  bare  that  vessel,  but  Sir  Percivale  had  a  glimmer- 
ing of  the  vessel  and  of  the  maiden  that  bare  it,  for  he  was 
a  perfect  clean  maiden.  And  forthwithal  they  both  were  as 
whole  of  hide  and  limb  as  ever  they  were  in  their  life-days : 
then  they  gave  thankings  to  God  with  great  mildness.  O 
Jesu,  said  Sir  Percivale,  what  may  this  mean,  that  we  be 


OF  THE  MADNESS  OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT     297 

thus  healed,  and  right  now  we  were  at  the  point  of  dying  ? 
I  wot  full  well,  said  Sir  Ector,  what  it  is ;  it  is  an  holy  vessel 
that  is  borne  by  a  maiden,  and  therein  is  part  of  the  holy 
blood  of  our  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  blessed  mote  he  be.  But  it 
may  not  be  seen,  said  Sir  Ector,  but  if  it  be  by  a  perfect 
man.  Truly,  said  Sir  Percivale,  I  saw  a  damosel,  as  me 
thought,  all  in  white,  with  a  vessel  in  both  her  hands,  and 
forthwithal  I  was  whole. 

So  then  they  took  their  horses  and  their  harness,  and 
amended  their  harness  as  well  as  they  might  that  was  broken ; 
and  so  they  mounted  upon  their  horses,  and  rode  talking 
together.  And  there  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  told  Sir  Percivale 
how  he  had  sought  his  brother,  Sir  Launcelot,  long,  and 
never  could  hear  witting  of  him :  In  many  strange  adven- 
tures have  I  been  in  this  quest.  And  so  either  told  other 
of  their  adventures. 

OF  THE  MADNESS  OF  SIR 
LAUNCELOT,  AND  HOW  HE 
WAS  HEALED  BY  THE  SAN- 
GREAL.  And  now  leave  we  off  a 
while  of  Sir  Ector  and  of  Sir  Percivale, 
and  speak  we  of  Sir  Launcelot  that 
suffered  and  endured  many  sharp  showers,  that  ever  ran  wild 
wood  from  place  to  place,  and  lived  by  fruit  and  such  as  he 
might  get,  and  drank  water  two  year ;  and  other  clothing  had 
he  but  little  but  his  shirt  and  his  breech.  Thus  as  Sir  Launce- 
lot wandered  here  and  there  he  came  in  a  fair  meadow  where 
he  found  a  pavilion ;  and  there  by,  upon  a  tree,  there  hung 
a  white  shield,  and  two  swords  hung  thereby,  and  two  spears 
leaned  there  by  a  tree.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  the 


298    OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  DAME  ELAINE 

swords,  anon  he  leapt  to  the  one  sword,  and  took  it  in  his 
hand,  and  drew  it  out.  And  then  he  lashed  at  the  shield, 
that  all  the  meadow  rang  of  the  dints,  that  he  gave  such  a 
noise  as  ten  knights  had  foughten  together. 

Then  came  forth  a  dwarf,  and  leapt  unto  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  would  have  had  the  sword  out  of  his  hand.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  took  him  by  the  both  shoulders  and  threw 
him  to  the  ground  upon  his  neck,  that  he  had  almost  broken 
his  neck ;  and  therewithal  the  dwarf  cried  help.  Then 
came  forth  a  likely  knight,  and  well  apparelled  in  scarlet 
furred  with  minever.  And  anon  as  he  saw  Sir  Launcelot 
he  deemed  that  he  should  be  out  of  his  wit.  And  then  he 
said  with  fair  speech :  Good  man,  lay  down  that  sword,  for 
as  meseemeth  thou  hadst  more  need  of  sleep  and  of 
warm  clothes  than  to  wield  that  sword.  As  for  that,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  come  not  too  nigh,  for  an  thou  do,  wit  thou 
well  I  will  slay  thee. 

And  when  the  knight  of  the  pavilion  saw  that,  he  stert 
backward  within  the  pavilion.  And  then  the  dwarf  armed 
him  lightly ;  and  so  the  knight  thought  by  force  and  might 
to  take  the  sword  from  Sir  Launcelot,  and  so  he  came  stepping 
out ;  and  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  him  come  so  all  armed 
with  his  sword  in  his  hand,  then  Sir  Launcelot  flew  to  him 
with  such  a  might,  and  hit  him  upon  the  helm  such  a  buffet, 
that  the  stroke  troubled  his  brains,  and  therewith  the  sword 
brake  in  three.  And  the  knight  fell  to  the  earth  as  he  had 
been  dead,  the  blood  brasting  out  of  his  mouth,  the  nose, 
and  the  ears.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  ran  into  the  pavilion, 
and  rushed  even  into  the  warm  bed ;  and  there  was  a  lady 
in  that  bed,  and  she  gat  her  smock,  and  ran  out  of  the  pavilion. 
And  when  she  saw  her  lord  lie  at  the  ground  like  to  be  dead, 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   SIR   BLIANT      299 

then  she  cried  and  wept  as  she  had  been  mad.  Then  with 
her  noise  the  knight  awaked  out  of  his  swoon,  and  looked 
up  weakly  with  his  eyes ;  and  then  he  asked  her,  where  was 
that  mad  man  that  had  given  him  such  a  buffet :  For  such 
a  buffet  had  I  never  of  man's  hand.  Sir,  said  the  dwarf, 
it  is  not  worship  to  hurt  him,  for  he  is  a  man  out  of  his  wit ; 
and  doubt  ye  not  he  hath  been  a  man  of  great  worship,  and 
for  some  heartly  sorrow  that  he  hath  taken,  he  is  fallen  mad ; 
and  me  beseemeth,  said  the  dwarf,  he  resembleth  much 
unto  Sir  Launcelot,  for  him  I  saw  at  the  great  tournament 
beside  Lonazep.  Jesu  defend,  said  that  knight,  that  ever 
that  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  should  be  in  such  a  plight ; 
but  whatsomever  he  be,  said  that  knight,  harm  will  I  none 
do  him.  And  this  knight's  name  was  Bliant.  Then  he  said 
unto  the  dwarf:  Go  thou  fast  on  horseback,  unto  my  brother 
Sir  Selivant,  that  is  at  the  Castle  Blank,  and  tell  him  of  mine 
adventure,  and  bid  him  bring  with  him  an  horse  litter,  and 
then  will  we  bear  this  knight  unto  my  castle. 

So  the  dwarf  rode  fast,  and  he  came  again  and  brought 
Sir  Selivant  with  him,  and  six  men  with  an  horse  litter; 
and  so  they  took  up  the  feather  bed  with  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  so  carried  all  away  with  them  unto  the  Castle  Blank,  and 
he  never  awaked  till  he  was  within  the  castle.  And  then 
they  bound  his  hands  and  his  feet,  and  gave  him  good 
meats  and  good  drinks,  and  brought  him  again  to  his  strength 
and  his  fairness ;  but  in  his  wit  they  could  not  bring  him 
again,  nor  to  know  himself.  Thus  was  Sir  Launcelot  there 
more  than  a  year  and  a  half,  honestly  arrayed  and  fair  faren 
withal. 

Then  upon  a  day  this  lord  of  that  castle,  Sir  Bliant,  took 
his  arms,  on  horseback,  with  a  spear,  to  seek  adventures. 


300    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

And  as  he  rode  in  a  forest  there  met  with  him  two  knights 
adventurous,  the  one  was  Breuse  Saunce  Pite,  and  his  brother, 
Sir  Bertelot ;  and  these  two  ran  both  at  once  upon  Sir  Bliant, 
and  brake  their  spears  upon  his  body.  And  then  they  drew 
out  swords  and  made  great  battle,  and  fought  long  together. 
But  at  the  last  Sir  Bliant  was  sore  wounded,  and  felt  himself 
faint ;  and  then  he  fled  on  horseback  toward  his  castle.  And 
as  they  came  hurling  under  the  castle  whereas  Sir  Launcelot 
lay  in  a  window,  he  saw  how  two  knights  laid  upon  Sir  Bliant 
with  their  swords.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  that,  yet  as 
wood  as  he  was  he  was  sorry  for  his  lord,  Sir  Bliant.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  brake  the  chains  from  his  legs  and  off  his  arms, 
and  in  the  breaking  he  hurt  his  hands  sore  ;  and  so  Sir  Launce- 
lot ran  out  at  a  postern,  and  there  he  met  with  the  two  knights 
that  chased  Sir  Bliant ;  and  there  he  pulled  down  Sir  Bertelot 
with  his  bare  hands  from  his  horse,  and  therewithal  he  wrothe 
his  sword  out  of  his  hand ;  and  so  he  leapt  unto  Sir  Breuse, 
and  gave  him  such  a  buffet  upon  the  head  that  he  tumbled 
backward  over  his  horse's  croup.  And  when  Sir  Bertelot 
saw  there  his  brother  have  such  a  fall,  he  gat  a  spear  in  his 
hand,  and  would  have  run  Sir  Launcelot  through :  that 
saw  Sir  Bliant,  and  struck  off  the  hand  of  Sir  Bertelot.  And 
then  Sir  Breuse  and  Sir  Bertelot  gat  their  horses  and  fled 
away. 

When  Sir  Selivant  came  and  saw  what  Sir  Launcelot 
had  done  for  his  brother,  then  he  thanked  God,  and  so  did 
his  brother,  that  ever  they  did  him  any  good.  But  when 
Sir  Bliant  saw  that  Sir  Launcelot  was  hurt  with  the  break- 
ing of  his  irons,  then  was  he  heavy  that  ever  he  bound  him. 
Bind  him  no  more,  said  Sir  Selivant,  for  he  is  happy  and 
gracious.  Then  they  made  great  joy  of  Sir  Launcelot,  and 


OF  THE  MADNESS  OF   SIR  LAUNCELOT     301 

they  bound  him  no  more ;  and  so  he  abode  there  an  half 
year  and  more.  And  on.  the  morn  early  Sir  Launcelot  was 
ware  where  came  a  great  boar  with  many  hounds  nigh  him. 
But  the  boar  was  so  big  there  might  no  hounds  tear  him ; 
and  the  hunters  came  after,  blowing  their  horns,  both  upon 
horseback  and  some  upon  foot ;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot 
was  ware  where  one  alighted  and  tied  his  horse  to  a  tree, 
and  leaned  his  spear  against  the  tree. 

So  came  Sir  Launcelot  and  found  the  horse  bounden  till 
a  tree,  and  a  spear  leaning  against  a  tree,  and  a  sword  tied 
to  the  saddle  bow;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  leapt  into  the 
saddle  and  gat  that  spear  in  his  hand,  and  then  he  rode  after 
the  boar;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  was  ware  where  the  boar 
set  his  back  to  a  tree  fast  by  an  hermitage.  Then  Sir  Launce- 
lot ran  at  the  boar  with  his  spear,  and  therewith  the  boar 
turned  him  nimbly,  and  rove  out  the  lungs  and  the  heart 
of  the  horse,  so  that  Launcelot  fell  to  the  earth ;  and,  or 
ever  Sir  Launcelot  might  get  from  the  horse,  the  boar  rove 
him  on  the  brawn  of  the  thigh  up  to  the  hough  bone.  And 
then  Sir  Launcelot  was  wroth,  and  up  he  gat  upon  his  feet, 
and  drew  his  sword,  and  he  smote  off  the  boar's  head  at  one 
stroke.  And  therewithal  came  out  the  hermit,  and  saw  him  have 
such  a  wound.  Then  the  hermit  came  to  Sir  Launcelot  and 
bemoaned  him,  and  would  have  had  him  home  unto  his 
hermitage ;  but  when  Sir  Launcelot  heard  him  speak,  he 
was  so  wroth  with  his  wound  that  he  ran  upon  the  hermit 
to  have  slain  him,  and  the  hermit  ran  away.  And  when 
Sir  Launcelot  might  not  overget  him,  he  threw  his  sword 
after  him,  for  Sir  Launcelot  might  go  no  further  for  bleeding ; 
then  the  hermit  turned  again,  and  asked  Sir  Launcelot  how 
he  was  hurt.  Fellow,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  this  boar  hath 


302    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

bitten  me  sore.  Then  come  with  me,  said  the  hermit,  and 
I  shall  heal  you.  Go  thy  way,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  and  deal 
not  with  me. 

Then  the  hermit  ran  his  way,  and  there  he  met  with  a 
good  knight  with  many  men.  Sir,  said  the  hermit,  here 
is  fast  by  my  place  the  goodliest  man  that  ever  I  saw,  and 
he  is  sore  wounded  with  a  boar,  and  yet  he  hath  slain  the 
boar.  But  well  I  wot,  said  the  hermit,  and  he  be  not  holpen, 
that  goodly  man  shall  die  of  that  wound,  and  that  were 
great  pity.  Then  that  knight  at  the  desire  of  the  hermit 
gat  a  cart,  and  in  that  cart  that  knight  put  the  boar  and 
Sir  Launcelot,  for  Sir  Launcelot  was  so  feeble  that  they 
might  right  easily  deal  with  him ;  and  so  Sir  Launcelot  was 
brought  unto  the  hermitage,  and  there  the  hermit  healed 
him  of  his  wound.  But  the  hermit  might  not  find  Sir  Launce- 
lot's  sustenance,  and  so  he  impaired  and  waxed  feeble,  both 
of  his  body  and  of  his  wit :  for  the  default  of  his  sustenance 
he  waxed  more  wooder  than  he  was  aforehand. 

And  then  upon  a  day  Sir  Launcelot  ran  his  way  into 
the  forest ;  and  by  adventure  he  came  to  the  city  of  Corbin, 
where  Dame  Elaine  was,  that  bare  Galahad,  Sir  Launcelot's 
son.  And  so  when  he  was  entered  into  the  town  he  ran 
through  the  town  to  the  castle ;  and  then  all  the  young 
men  of  that  city  ran  after  Sir  Launcelot,  and  there  they 
threw  turves  at  him,  and  gave  him  many  sad  strokes.  And 
ever  as  Sir  Launcelot  might  overreach  any  of  them,  he  threw 
them  so  that  they  would  never  come  in  his  hands  no  more ; 
for  of  some  he  brake  the  legs  and  the  arms,  and  so  fled  into 
the  castle ;  and  then  came  out  knights  and  squires  and  res- 
cued Sir  Launcelot.  And  when  they  beheld  him  and  looked 
upon  his  person,  they  thought  they  saw  never  so  goodly 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE    303 

a  man.  And  when  they  saw  so  many  wounds  upon  him, 
all  they  deemed  that  he  had  been  a  man  of  worship.  And 
then  they  ordained  him  clothes  to  his  body,  and  straw  under- 
neath him,  and  a  little  house.  And  then  every  day  they 
would  throw  him  meat,  and  set  him  drink,  but  there  was 
but  few  would  bring  him  meat  to  his  hands. 

So  it  befell  that  King  Pelles  had  a  nephew,  his  name  was 
Castor;  and  so  he  desired  of  the  king  to  be  made  knight, 
and  so  at  the  request  of  this  Castor  the  king  made  him 
knight  at  the  feast  of  Candlemas.  And  when  Sir  Castor 
was  made  knight,  that  same  day  he  gave  many  gowns.  And 
then  Sir  Castor  sent  for  the  fool  —  that  was  Sir  Launcelot. 
And  when  he  was  come  afore  Sir  Castor,  he  gave  Sir  Launce- 
lot a  robe  of  scarlet  and  all  that  longed  unto  him.  And 
when  Sir  Launcelot  was  so  arrayed  like  a  knight,  he  was 
the  seemliest  man  in  all  the  court,  and  none  so  well  made. 
So  when  he  saw  his  time  he  went  into  the  garden,  and  there 
Sir  Launcelot  laid  him  down  by  a  well  and  slept.  And  so 
at  afternoon  Dame  Elaine  and  her  maidens  came  into  the 
garden  to  play  them;  and  as  they  roamed  up  and  down 
one  of  Dame  Elaine's  maidens  espied  where  lay  a  goodly 
man  by  the  well  sleeping,  and  then  she  brought  Dame  Elaine 
where  he  lay.  And  when  that  she  beheld  him,  anon  she 
fell  in  remembrance  of  him,  and  knew  him  verily  for  Sir 
Launcelot ;  and  therewithal  she  fell  a-weeping  so  heartily 
that  she  sank  even  to  the  earth;  and  when  she  had  thus 
wept  a  great  while,  then  she  arose  and  called  her  maidens 
and  said  she  was  sick. 

And  so  she  yede  out  of  the  garden,  and  she  went  straight 
to  her  father,  and  there  she  took  him  apart  by  herself;  and 
then  she  said :  O  father,  now  have  I  need  of  your  help,  and 


3o4    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

but  if  that  ye  help  me  farewell  my  good  days  for  ever.  What 
is  that,  daughter?  said  King  Pelles.  Sir,  she  said,  thus  is 
it :  in  your  garden  I  went  for  to  sport,  and  there,  by  the 
well,  I  found  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  sleeping.  I  may  not 
believe  that,  said  King  Pelles.  Sir,  she  said,  truly  he  is 
there,  and  meseemeth  he  should  be  distract  out  of  his  wit. 
Then  hold  you  still,  said  the  king,  and  let  me  deal.  Then 
the  king  called  to  him  such  as  he  most  trusted,  a  four  persons, 
and  Dame  Elaine,  his  daughter.  And  when  they  came 
to  the  well  and  beheld  Sir  Launcelot,  anon  Dame  Brisen 
knew  him.  Sir,  said  Dame  Brisen,  we  must  be  wise  how 
we  deal  with  him,  for  this  knight  is  out  of  his  mind,  and  if 
we  awake  him  rudely  what  he  will  do  we  all  know  not ;  but 
ye  shall  abide,  and  I  shall  throw  such  an  enchantment  upon 
him  that  he  shall  not  awake  within  the  space  of  an  hour ; 
and  so  she  did. 

Then  within  a  little  while  after,  the  king  commanded 
that  all  people  should  avoid,  that  none  should  be  in  that  way 
there  as  the  king  would  come.  And  so  when  this  was  done, 
these  four  men  and  these  ladies  laid  hand  on  Sir  Launce- 
lot, and  so  they  bare  him  into  a  tower,  and  so  into  a  chamber 
where  was  the  holy  vessel  of  the  Sangreal,  and  by  force  Sir 
Launcelot  was  laid  by  that  holy  vessel ;  and  there  came 
an  holy  man  and  unbilled  that  vessel,  and  so  by  miracle  and 
by  virtue  of  that  holy  vessel  Sir  Launcelot  was  healed  and 
recovered.  And  when  that  he  was  awaked  he  groaned  and 
sighed,  and  complained  greatly  that  he  was  passing  sore. 


LAUNCELOT  COMES  TO  JOYOUS   ISLE      305 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT,  AFTER  THAT 
HE  WAS  WHOLE  AND  HAD  HIS  MIND, 
HE  WAS  ASHAMED,  AND  HOW  HE 
CAME  TO  THE  JOYOUS  ISLE.  And 
when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  King  Pelles  and 
Elaine,  he  waxed  ashamed  and  said  thus :  O 
Lord  Jesu,  how  came  I  here  ?  for  God's  sake,  my  lord,  let  me 
wit  how  I  came  here.  Sir,  said  Dame  Elaine,  into  this  country 
ye  came  like  a  madman,  clean  out  of  your  wit,  and  here  have 
ye  been  kept  as  a  fool ;  and  no  creature  here  knew  what  ye 
were,  until  by  fortune  a  maiden  of  mine  brought  me  unto 
you  whereas  ye  lay  sleeping  by  a  well,  and  anon  as  I  verily 
beheld  you  I  knew  you.  And  then  I  told  my  father,  and 
so  were  ye  brought  afore  this  holy  vessel,  and  by  the  virtue 
of  it  thus  were  ye  healed.  O  Jesu,  mercy,  said  Sir  Launcelot ; 
if  this  be  sooth,  how  many  there  be  that  know  of  my  wood- 
ness  !  So  God  me  help,  said  Elaine,  no  more  but  my  father, 
and  I,  and  Dame  Brisen.  Now  for  Christ's  love,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  keep  it  in  counsel,  and  let  no  man  know  it  in 
the  world,  for  I  am  sore  ashamed  that  I  have  been  thus 
miscarried ;  for  I  am  banished  out  of  the  country  of  Logris 
for  ever,  that  is  for  to  say  the  country  of  England. 

And  so  Sir  Launcelot  lay  more  than  a  fortnight  or  ever 
that  he  might  stir  for  soreness.  And  then  upon  a  day  he 
said  unto  Dame  Elaine  these  words :  Lady  Elaine,  for  your 
sake  I  have  had  much  travail,  care,  and  anguish ;  it  needeth 
not  to  rehearse  it,  ye  know  how.  Notwithstanding  I  know 
well  I  have  done  foul  to  you  when  that  I  drew  my  sword 
to  you,  to  have  slain  you.  And  all  was  the  cause,  that  ye 
and  Dame  Brisen  deceived  me.  Now  will  ye  for  my  love, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  go  unto  your  father  and  get  me  a  place  of 


306    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

him  wherein  I  may  dwell  ?  for  in  the  court  of  King  Arthul 
may  I  never  come.  Sir,  said  Dame  Elaine,  I  will  live  and 
die  with  you,  and  only  for  your  sake ;  and  if  my  life  might 
not  avail  you  and  my  death  might  avail  you,  wit  you  well  I 
would  die  for  your  sake.  And  I  will  go  to  my  father,  and 
I  am  sure  there  is  nothing  that  I  can  desire  of  him  but  I 
shall  have  it.  And  where  ye  be,  my  lord  Sir  Launcelot, 
doubt  ye  not  but  I  will  be  with  you  with  all  the  service  that 
I  may  do.  So  forthwithal  she  went  to  her  father  and  said,  Sir, 
my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  desireth  to  be  here  by  you  in  some  castle 
of  yours.  Well  daughter,  said  the  king,  sith  it  is  his  desire  to 
abide  in  these  marches  he  shall  be  in  the  Castle  of  Bliant,  and 
there  shall  ye  be  with  him,  and  twenty  of  the  fairest  ladies  that 
be  in  the  country,  and  they  shall  all  be  of  the  great  blood,  and 
ye  shall  have  ten  knights  with  you  ;  for,  daughter,  I  will  that 
ye  wit  we  all  be  honoured  by  the  blood  of  Sir  Launcelot. 

Then  went  Dame  Elaine  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  and  told 
him  all  how  her  father  had  devised  for  him  and  her.  And 
then,  after  this,  King  Pelles  with  ten  knights,  and  Dame 
Elaine,  and  twenty  ladies,  rode  unto  the  Castle  of  Bliant 
that  stood  in  an  island  beclosed  in  iron,  with  a  fair  water 
deep  and  large.  And  when  they  were  there  Sir  Launcelot 
let  call  it  the  Joyous  Isle ;  and  there  was  he  called  none 
otherwise  but  Le  Chevaler  Mai  Fet,  the  knight  that  hath 
trespassed.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  let  make  him  a  shield  all 
of  sable,  and  a  queen  crowned  in  the  midst,  all  of  silver,  and 
a  knight  clean  armed  kneeling  afore  her.  And  every  day 
once,  for  any  mirths  that  all  the  ladies  might  make  him,  he 
would  once  every  day  look  toward  the  realm  of  Logris,  where 
King  Arthur  and  Queen  Guenever  was.  And  then  would 
he  fall  upon  a  weeping  as  his  heart  should  to-brast. 


OF  SIR   PERCIVALE  AND  SIR   ECTOR       307 

So  it  fell  that  time  Sir  Launcelot  heard  of  a  jousting 
fast  by  his  castle,  within  three  leagues.  Then  he  called 
unto  him  a  dwarf,  and  he  bade  him  go  unto  that  jousting: 
And  or  ever  the  knights  depart,  look  thou  make  there  a 
cry,  in  hearing  of  all  the  knights,  that  there  is  one  knight 
in  the  Joyous  Isle,  that  is  the  Castle  of  Bliant,  and  say  his 
name  is  Le  Chevaler  Mai  Fet,  that  will  joust  against  knights 
that  will  come.  And  who  that  putteth  that  knight  to  the 
worse  shall  have  a  fair  maid  and  a  gerfalcon. 

OF  A  GREAT  TOURNEYING  IN  THE  JOYOUS 
ISLE,  AND  HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  FOUGHT 
WITH  SIR  PERCIVALE,  AND  HOW  THEY 
RETURNED  TO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT.  So 
when  this  cry  was  made,  unto  Joyous  Isle  drew  knights  to 
the  number  of  five  hundred ;  and  wit  ye  well  there  was  never 
seen  in  Arthur's  days  one  knight  that  did  so  much  deeds 
of  arms  as  Sir  Launcelot  did  three  days  together ;  for  as  the 
book  maketh  truly  mention,  he  had  the  better  of  all  the 
five  hundred  knights,  and  there  was  not  one  slain  of  them. 
And  after  that  Sir  Launcelot  made  them  all  a  great  feast. 

And  in  the  meanwhile  came  Sir  Percivale  de  Galis  and 
Sir  Ector  de  Maris  under  that  castle  that  was  called  the 
Joyous  Isle.  And  as  they  beheld  that  gay  castle  they  would 
have  gone  to  that  castle,  but  they  might  not  for  the  broad 
water,  and  bridge  could  they  find  none.  Then  they  saw 
on  the  other  side  a  lady  with  a  sperhawk  on  her  hand,  and 
Sir  Percivale  called  unto  her,  and  asked  that  lady  who  was 
in  that  castle.  Fair  knights,  she  said,  here  within  this  castle 
is  the  fairest  lady  in  this  land,  and  her  name  is  Elaine.  Also 
we  have  in  this  castle  the  fairest  knight  and  the  mightiest 


3o8    OF  SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

man  that  is  I  dare  say  living,  and  he  calleth  himself  Le  Chev- 
aler  Mai  Fet.  How  came  he  into  these  marches  ?  said 
Sir  Percivale.  Truly,  said  the  damosel,  he  came  into  this 
country  like  a  mad  man,  with  dogs  and  boys  chasing  him 
through  the  city  of  Corbin,  and  by  the  holy  vessel  of  the 
Sangreal  he  was  brought  into  his  wit  again ;  but  he  will 
not  do  battle  with  no  knight,  but  by  underne  or  by  noon. 
And  if  ye  list  to  come  into  the  castle,  said  the  lady,  ye  must 
ride  unto  the  further  side  of  the  castle  and  there  shall  ye 
find  a  vessel  that  will  bear  you  and  your  horse.  Then  they 
departed,  and  came  unto  the  vessel.  And  then  Sir  Per- 
civale alighted,  and  said  to  Sir  Ector  de  Maris :  Ye  shall 
abide  me  here  until  that  I  wit  what  manner  a  knight  he  is ; 
for  it  were  shame  unto  us,  inasmuch  as  he  is  but  one  knight, 
an  we  should  both  do  battle  with  him.  Do  ye  as  ye  list, 
said  Sir  Ector,  and  here  I  shall  abide  you  until  that  I  hear 
of  you. 

Then  passed  Sir  Percivale  the  water,  and  when  he  came 
to  the  castle  gate  he  bade  the  porter :  Go  thou  to  the  good 
knight  within  the  castle,  and  tell  him  here  is  come  an  errant 
knight  to  joust  with  him.  Sir,  said  the  porter,  ride  ye  within 
the  castle,  and  there  is  a  common  place  for  jousting,  that 
lords  and  ladies  may  behold  you.  So  anon  as  Sir  Launce- 
lot  had  warning  he  was  soon  ready ;  and  there  Sir  Percivale 
and  Sir  Launcelot  encountered  with  such  a  might,  and  their 
spears  were  so  rude,  that  both  the  horses  and  the  knights 
fell  to  the  earth.  Then  they  avoided  their  horses,  and  flang 
out  noble  swords,  and  hewed  away  cantels  of  their  shields, 
and  hurtled  together  with  their  shields  like  two  boars,  and 
either  wounded  other  passing  sore.  At  the  last  Sir  Per- 
civale spake  first  when  they  had  foughten  there  more  than 


SIR  LAUNCELOT  RETURNS  TO  COURT  309 

two  hours.  Fair  knight,  said  Sir  Percivale,  I  require  thee 
tell  me  thy  name,  for  I  met  never  with  such  a  knight.  Sir, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  my  name  is  Le  Chevaler  Mai  Fet.  Now 
tell  me  your  name,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  require  you,  gentle 
knight.  Truly,  said  Sir  Percivale,  my  name  is  Sir  Percivale 
de  Galis,  that  was  brother  unto  the  good  knight,  Sir  Lamorak 
de  Galis,  and  King  Pellinore  was  our  father,  and  Sir  Ag- 
lovale  is  my  brother.  Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  what  have 
I  done  to  fight  with  you  that  art  a  knight  of  the  Round  Table, 
that  sometime  was  your  fellow  ? 

And  therewithal  Sir  Launcelot  kneeled  down  upon  his 
knees,  and  threw  away  his  shield  and  his  sword  from  him. 
When  Sir  Percivale  saw  him  do  so  he  marvelled  what  he 
meant.  And  then  thus  he  said :  Sir  knight,  whatsomever 
thou  be,  I  require  thee  upon  the  high  order  of  knighthood, 
tell  me  thy  true  name.  Then  he  said :  So  God  me  help, 
my  name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  King  Ban's  son  of  Benoy. 
Alas,  said  Sir  Percivale,  what  have  I  done  ?  I  was  sent  by 
the  queen  for  to  seek  you,  and  so  I  have  sought  you  nigh 
this  two  year,  and  yonder  is  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  your  brother, 
abideth  me  on  the  other  side  of  the  yonder  water.  Now, 
I  pray  you,  said  Sir  Percivale,  forgive  me  mine  offence  that 
I  have  here  done.  It  is  soon  forgiven,  said  Sir  Launcelot. 

Then  Sir  Percivale  sent  for  Sir  Ector  de  Maris ;  and 
when  Sir  Launcelot  had  a  sight  of  him,  he  ran  unto  him  and 
took  him  in  his  arms ;  and  then  Sir  Ector  kneeled  down, 
and  either  wept  upon  other,  that  all  had  pity  to  behold  them. 
Then  came  Dame  Elaine,  and  she  there  made  them  great 
cheer  as  might  lie  in  her  power. 

Then  it  befell  upon  a  day  Sir  Ector  and  Sir  Percivale  came 
to  Sir  Launcelot  and  asked  him  what  he  would  do,  and  whether 


3io    OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND   DAME   ELAINE 

he  would  go  with  them  unto  King  Arthur  or  not.  Nay, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  may  not  be  by  no  mean,  for  I  was 
so  entreated  at  the  court  that  I  cast  me  never  to  come  there 
more.  Sir,  said  Sir  Ector,  I  am  your  brother,  and  ye  are 
the  man  in  the  world  that  I  love  most ;  and  if  I  understood 
that  it  were  your  disworship,  ye  may  understand  I  would 
never  counsel  you  thereto ;  but  King  Arthur  and  all  his 
knights,  and  in  especial  Queen  Guenever,  made  such  dole 
and  sorrow  that  it  was  marvel  to  hear  and  see.  And  ye  must 
remember  the  great  worship  and  renown  that  ye  be  of,  how 
that  ye  have  been  more  spoken  of  than  any  other  knight 
that  is  now  living ;  for  there  is  none  that  beareth  the  name 
now  but  ye  and  Sir  Tristram.  Therefore  brother,  said  Sir 
Ector,  make  you  ready  to  ride  to  the  court  with  us,  and  I 
dare  say  there  was  never  knight  better  welcome  to  the  court 
than  ye  ;  and  I  wot  well  and  can  make  it  good,  said  Sir  Ector, 
it  hath  cost  my  lady,  the  queen,  twenty  thousand  pound 
the  seeking  of  you.  Well  brother,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  will 
do  after  your  counsel,  and  ride  with  you. 

So  then  they  took  their  horses  and  made  them  ready, 
and  took  their  leave  at  King  Pelles  and  at  Dame  Elaine. 
And  when  Sir  Launcelot  should  depart  Dame  Elaine  made 
great  sorrow.  My  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  said  Dame  Elaine, 
at  this  same  feast  of  Pentecost  shall  your  son  and  mine, 
Galahad,  be  made  knight,  for  he  is  fully  now  fifteen  winter 
old.  Do  as  ye  list,  said  Sir  Launcelot ;  God  give  him  grace 
to  prove  a  good  knight.  As  for  that,  said  Dame  Elaine, 
I  doubt  not  he  shall  prove  the  best  man  of  his  kin  except 
one.  Then  shall  he  be  a  man  good  enough,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot. 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  CAME  TO  COURT    311 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WITH  SIR  PERCI- 
VALE  AND  SIR  ECTOR  CAME  TO  THE 
COURT,  AND  OF  THE  GREAT  JOY  OF  HIM. 
Then  they  departed,  and  within  five  days'  journey  they 
came  to  Camelot,  that  is  called  in  English,  Winchester. 
And  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  come  among  them,  the  king 
and  all  the  knights  made  great  joy  of  him.  And  there  Sir 
Percivale  de  Galis  and  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  began  and  told 
the  whole  adventures :  that  Sir  Launcelot  had  been  out 
of  his  mind  the  time  of  his  absence,  and  how  he  called  him- 
self Le  Chevaler  Mai  Fet,  the  knight  that  had  trespassed ; 
and  in  three  days  Sir  Launcelot  smote  down  five  hundred 
knights.  And  ever  as  Sir  Ector  and  Sir  Percivale  told  these 
tales  of  Sir  Launcelot,  Queen  Guenever  wept  as  she  should 
have  died.  Then  the  queen  made  great  cheer.  I  marvel, 
said  King  Arthur,  for  what  cause  ye,  Sir  Launcelot,  went 
out  of  your  mind.  I  ajid  many  others  deem  it  was  for  the 
love  of  fair  Elaine,  the  daughter  of  King  Pelles,  by  whom  ye 
are  noised  that  ye  have  a  child,  and  his  name  is  Galahad, 
and  men  say  he  shall  do  marvels.  My  lord,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
if  I  did  any  folly  I  have  that  I  sought.  And  therewithal  the 
king  spake  no  more.  But  all  Sir  Launcelot's  kin  knew  for 
whom  he  went  out  of  his  mind.  And  then  there  were  great 
feasts  made  and  great  joy ;  and  many  great  lords  and  ladies, 
when  they  heard  that  Sir  Launcelot  was  come  to  the  court 
again,  they  made  great  joy. 


OF    SIR    GALAHAD    AND    THE    QUEST 
OF    THE    HOLY    GRAIL 

HOW  AT  THE  VIGIL  OF  THE  FEAST  OF 
PENTECOST  A  DAMOSEL  DESIRED  SIR 
LAUNCELOT  FOR  TO  COME  AND  DUB  A 
KNIGHT,  AND  OF  THE  MARVELLOUS  ADVENTURE 
OF  THE  SWORD  IN  A  STONE.  At  the  vigil  of  Pen- 
tecost, when  all  the  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table  were 
come  unto  Camelot  and  there  heard  their  service,  and  the 
tables  were  set  ready  to  the  meat,  right  so  entered  into 
the  hall  a  full  fair  gentlewoman  on  horseback,  that  had 
ridden  full  fast,  for  her  horse  was  all  besweated.  Then 
she  there  alighted,  and  came  before  the  king  and  saluted 
him ;  and  he  said :  Damosel,  God  thee  bless.  Sir,  said 
she,  I  pray  you  say  me  where  Sir  Launcelot  is.  Yon- 
der ye  may  see  him,  said  the  king.  Then  she  went  unto 
Launcelot  and  said :  Sir  Launcelot,  I  salute  you  on  King 

312 


OF  LETTERS  IN  THE  SIEGE   PERILOUS     313 

Pelles'  behalf,  and  I  require  you  come  on  with  me  hereby 
into  a  forest.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  asked  her  with  whom 
she  dwelled.  I  dwell,  said  she,  with  King  Pelles.  What 
will  ye  with  me  ?  said  Launcelot.  Ye  shall  know,  said  she, 
when  ye  come  thither.  Well,  said  he,  I  will  gladly  go  with 
you.  So  Sir  Launcelot  bade  his  squire  saddle  his  horse  and 
bring  his  arms  ;  and  in  all  haste  he  did  his  commandment. 

Then  came  the  queen  unto  Launcelot,  and  said :  Will 
ye  leave  us  at  this  high  feast  ?  Madam,  said  the  gentle- 
woman, wit  ye  well  he  shall  be  with  you  to-morn  by  dinner 
time.  If  I  wist,  said  the  queen,  that  he  should  not  be  with 
us  here  to-morn  he  should  not  go  with  you  by  my  good 
will.  Right  so  departed  Sir  Launcelot  with  the  gentle- 
woman, and  rode  until  that  he  came  into  a  forest  and  into 
a  great  valley,  where  they  saw  an  abbey  of  nuns ;  and  there 
was  a  squire  ready  and  opened  the  gates,  and  so  they  entered 
and  descended  off  their  horses ;  and  there  came  a  fair  fel- 
lowship about  Sir  Launcelot,  and  welcomed  him,  and  were 
passing  glad  of  his  coming.  And  then  they  led  him  unto 
the  Abbess's  chamber  and  unarmed  him ;  and  right  so  he 
was  ware  upon  a  bed  lying  two  of  his  cousins,  Sir  Bors  and 
Sir  Lionel,  and  then  he  waked  them ;  and  when  they  saw 
him  they  made  great  joy.  Sir,  said  Sir  Bors  unto  Sir  Launce- 
lot, what  adventure  hath  brought  you  hither,  for  we  weened 
to-morn  to  have  found  you  at  Camelot  ?  Truly,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  a  gentlewoman  brought  me  hither,  but  I  know 
not  the  cause. 

In  the  meanwhile  that  they  thus  stood  talking  together, 
therein  came  twelve  nuns  that  brought  with  them  Galahad, 
the  which  was  passing  fair  and  well  made,  that  unnethe  in 
the  world  men  might  not  find  his  mafcch :  and  all  those 


3i4  OF  SIR  GALAHAD 

ladies  wept.  Sir,  said  they  all,  we  bring  you  here  this  child 
the  which  we  have  nourished,  and  we  pray  you  to  make 
him  a  knight,  for  of  a  more  worthier  man's  hand  may  he 
not  receive  the  order  of  knighthood.  Sir  Launcelot  be- 
held the  young  squire  and  saw  him  seemly  and  demure  as 
a  dove,  with  all  manner  of  good  features,  that  he  weened 
of  his  age  never  to  have  seen  so  fair  a  man  of  form.  Then 
said  Sir  Launcelot :  Cometh  this  desire  of  himself  ?  He 
and  all  they  said  Yea.  Then  shall  he,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
receive  the  high  order  of  knighthood  as  to-morn  at  the  rever- 
ence of  the  high  feast.  That  night  Sir  Launcelot  had  pass- 
ing good  cheer ;  and  on  the  morn  at  the  hour  of  prime,  at 
Galahad's  desire,  he  made  him  knight  and  said :  God  make 
him  a  good  man,  for  of  beauty  faileth  you  not  as  any  that 
liveth. 

Now  fair  sir,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  will  ye  come  with  me 
unto  the  court  of  King  Arthur  ?  Nay,  said  he,  I  will  not 
go  with  you  as  at  this  time.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  departed 
from  them  and  took  his  two  cousins  with  him,  and  so  they 
came  unto  Camelot  by  the  hour  of  underne  on  Whitsunday. 
By  that  time  the  king  and  the  queen  were  gone  to  the  minster 
to  hear  their  service.  Then  the  king  and  the  queen  were 
passing  glad  of  Sir  Bors  and  Sir  Lionel,  and  so  was  all  the 
fellowship.  So  when  the  king  and  all  the  knights  were 
come  from  service,  the  barons  espied  in  the  sieges  of  the 
Round  Table  all  about,  written  with  golden  letters :  Here 
ought  to  sit  he,  and  he  ought  to  sit  here.  And  thus  they 
went  so  long  till  that  they  came  to  the  Siege  Perilous,  where 
they  found  letters  newly  written  of  gold  which  said :  Four 
hundred  winters  and  four  and  fifty  accomplished  after  the 
passion  of  our  Lord  Jesu  Christ  ought  this  siege  to  be  fulfilled. 


OF  LETTERS  IN  THE  SIEGE   PERILOUS      315 

Then  all  they  said :  This  is  a  marvellous  thing  and  an  adven- 
turous. In  the  name  of  God,  said  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  then 
he  accompted  the  term  of  the  writing  from  the  birth  of  our 
Lord  unto  that  day.  It  seemeth  me,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
this  siege  ought  to  be  fulfilled  this  same  day,  for  this  is  the 
feast  of  Pentecost  after  the  four  hundred  and  four  and  fifty 
year;  and  if  it  would  please  all  parties,  I  would  none  of 
these  letters  were  seen  this  day,  till  he  be  come  that  ought 
to  enchieve  this  adventure.  Then  made  they  to  ordain  a 
cloth  of  silk,  for  to  cover  these  letters  in  the  Siege  Perilous. 

Then  the  king  bade  haste  unto  dinner.  Sir,  said  Sir 
Kay  the  Steward,  if  ye  go  now  unto  your  meat  ye  shall  break 
your  old  custom  of  your  court,  for  ye  have  not  used  on  this 
day  to  sit  at  your  meat  or  that  ye  have  seen  some  adven- 
ture. Ye  say  sooth,  said  the  king,  but  I  had  so  great  joy 
of  Sir  Launcelot  and  of  his  cousins,  which  be  come  to  the 
court  whole  and  sound,  so  that  I  bethought  me  not  of  mine 
old  custom.  So,  as  they  stood  speaking,  in  came  a  squire 
and  said  unto  the  king:  Sir,  I  bring  unto  you  marvellous 
tidings.  What  be  they?  said  the  king.  Sir,  there  is  here 
beneath  at  the  river  a  great  stone  which  I  saw  fleet  above 
the  water,  and  therein  I  saw  sticking  a  sword.  The  king 
said :  I  will  see  that  marvel.  So  all  the  knights  went  with 
him,  and  when  they  came  to  the  river  they  found  there  a 
stone  fleeting,  as  it  were  of  red  marble,  and  therein  stuck 
a  fair  rich  sword,  and  in  the  pommel  thereof  were  precious 
stones  wrought  with  subtle  letters  of  gold.  Then  the  barons 
read  the  letters  which  said  in  this  wise :  Never  shall  man 
take  me  hence,  but  only  he  by  whose  side  I  ought  to  hang, 
and  he  shall  be  the  best  knight  of  the  world. 

When  the  king  had  seen  the  letters,  he  said  unto  Sir 


316  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

Launcelot :  Fair  Sir,  this  sword  ought  to  be  yours,  for  I 
am  sure  ye  be  the  best  knight  of  the  world.  Then  Sir  Launce- 
lot answered  full  soberly :  Certes,  sir,  it  is  not  my  sword ; 
also,  Sir,  wit  ye  well  I  have  no  hardiness  to  set  my  hand 
to  it,  for  it  longeth  not  to  hang  by  my  side.  Also,  who 
that  assayeth  to  take  the  sword  and  faileth  of  it,  he  shall 
receive  a  wound  by  that  sword  that  he  shall  not  be  whole 
long  after.  And  I  will  that  ye  wit  that  this  same  day  shall 
the  adventures  of  the  Sangreal,  that  is  called  the  Holy  Ves- 
sel, begin. 

HOW  SIR  GAWAINE  ASSAYED  TO  DRAW 
OUT  THE  SWORD,  AND  HOW  AN  OLD  MAN 
BROUGHT  IN  GALAHAD,  AND  SET  HIM 
IN  THE  SIEGE  PERILOUS,  AND  HOW  HE  DREW 
OUT  THE  SWORD.  Now,  fair  nephew,  said  the  king  unto 
Sir  Gawaine,  assay  ye,  for  my  love.  Sir,  he  said,  save  your 
good  grace  I  shall  not  do  that.  Sir,  said  the  king,  assay  to 
take  the  sword  and  at  my  commandment.  Sir,  said  Gawaine, 
your  commandment  I  will  obey.  And  therewith  he  took  up 
the  sword  by  the  handles,  but  he  might  not  stir  it.  I  thank 
you,  said  the  king  to  Sir  Gawaine.  My  lord  Sir  Gawaine, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  now  wit  ye  well  this  sword  shall  touch  you 
so  sore  that  ye  shall  will  ye  had  never  set  your  hand  thereto 
for  the  best  castle  of  this  realm.  Sir,  he  said,  I  might  not 
withsay  mine  uncle's  will  and  commandment.  But  when 
the  king  heard  this  he  repented  it  much,  and  said  unto  Sir 
Percivale  that  he  should  assay,  for  his  love.  And  he  said : 
Gladly,  for  to  bear  Sir  Gawaine  fellowship.  And  therewith 
he  set  his  hand  on  the  sword  and  drew  it  strongly,  but  he 
might  not  move  it.  Then  were  there  no  mo  that  durst  be 


OF   SIR   GAWAINE  AND  THE   SWORD        317 

so  hardy  to  set  their  hands  thereto.  Now  may  ye  go  to 
your  dinner,  said  Sir  Kay  unto  the  king,  for  a  marvellous 
adventure  have  ye  seen.  So  the  king  and  all  went  unto 
the  court,  and  every  knight  knew  his  own  place,  and  set 
him  therein,  and  young  men  that  were  knights  served  them. 

So  when  they  were  served,  and  all  sieges  fulfilled  save 
only  the  Siege  Perilous,  anon  there  befell  a  marvellous  ad- 
venture, that  all  the  doors  and  windows  of  the  palace  shut 
by  themself.  Not  for  then  the  hall  was  not  greatly  darked  ; 
and  therewith  they  were  all  abashed  both  one  and  other. 
Then  King  Arthur  spake  first  and  said:  Fair  fellows  and 
lords,  we  have  seen  this  day  marvels,  but  ere  night  I  suppose 
we  shall  see  greater  marvels. 

In  the  meanwhile  came  in  a  good  old  man,  and  an  ancient, 
clothed  all  in  white,  and  there  was  no  knight  knew  from 
whence  he  came.  And  with  him  he  brought  a  young  knight, 
both  on  foot,  in  red  arms,  without  sword  or  shield,  save 
a  scabbard  hanging  by  his  side.  And  these  words  he  said : 
Peace  be  with  you,  fair  lords.  Then  the  old  man  said  unto 
Arthur :  Sir,  I  bring  here  a  young  knight,  the  which  is  of 
king's  lineage,  and  of  the  kindred  of  Joseph  of  Aramathie, 
whereby  the  marvels  of  this  court,  and  of  strange  realms, 
shall  be  fully  accomplished. 

The  king  was  right  glad  of  his  words,  and  said  unto  the 
good  man :  Sir,  ye  be  right  welcome,  and  the  young  knight 
with  you.  Then  the  old  man  made  the  young  man  to  un- 
arm him,  and  he  was  in  a  coat  of  red  sendal,  and  bare  a 
mantle  upon  his  shoulder  that  was  furred  with  ermine,  and 
put  that  upon  him.  And  the  old  knight  said  unto  the  young 
knight :  Sir,  follow  me.  And  anon  he  led  him  unto  the 
Siege  Perilous,  where  beside  sat  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  the 


3i8  OF  SIR  GALAHAD 

good  man  lift  up  the  cloth,  and  found  there  letters  that 
said  thus :  This  is  the  siege  of  Galahad,  the  haut  prince. 
Sir,  said  the  old  knight,  wit  ye  well  that  place  is  yours.  And 
then  he  set  him  down  surely  in  that  siege.  And  then  he 
said  to  the  old  man :  Sir,  ye  may  now  go  your  way,  for  well 
have  ye  done  that  ye  were  commanded  to  do ;  and  recom- 
mend me  unto  my  grandsire,  King  Pelles,  and  unto  my  lord 
Petchere,  and  say  them  on  my  behalf,  I  shall  come  and  see 
them  as  soon  as  ever  I  may.  So  the  good  man  departed ; 
and  there  met  him  twenty  noble  squires,  and  so  took  their 
horses  and  went  their  way. 

Then  all  the  knights  of  the  Table  Round  marvelled 
greatly  of  Sir  Galahad,  that  he  durst  sit  there  in  that  Siege 
Perilous,  and  was  so  tender  of  age  ;  and  wist  not  from  whence 
he  came  but  all  only  by  God ;  and  said  :  This  is  he  by  whom 
the  Sangreal  shall  be  enchieved,  for  there  sat  never  none  but 
he,  but  he  were  mischieved.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  beheld  his 
son  and  had  great  joy  of  him.  Then  Bors  told  his  fellows : 
Upon  pain  of  my  life  this  young  knight  shall  come  unto  great 
worship.  This  noise  was  great  in  all  the  court,  so  that  it 
came  to  the  queen.  Then  she  had  marvel  what  knight  it 
might  be  that  durst  adventure  him  to  sit  in  the  Siege  Peri- 
lous. Many  said  unto  the  queen  he  resembled  much  unto 
Sir  Launcelot.  I  may  well  suppose,  said  the  queen,  that 
he  is  son  of  Sir  Launcelot  and  King  Pelles'  daughter,  and 
his  name  is  Galahad.  I  would  fain  see  him,  said  the  queen, 
for  he  must  needs  be  a  noble  man,  for  so  is  his  father,  I 
report  me  unto  all  the  Table  Round. 

So  when  the  meat  was  done  that  the  king  and  all  were 
risen,  the  king  went  unto  the  Siege  Perilous  and  lift  up  the 
cloth,  and  found  there  the  name  of  Galahad ;  and  then  he 


OF   KING  ARTHUR  AND   SIR  GALAHAD     319 

shewed  it  unto  Sir  Gawaine,  and  said :  Fair  nephew,  now 
have  we  among  us  Sir  Galahad,  the  good  knight  that  shall 
worship  us  all ;  and  upon  pain  of  my  life  he  shall  enchieve 
the  Sangreal,  right  as  Sir  Launcelot  hath  done  us  to  under- 
stand. Then  came  King  Arthur  unto  Galahad  and  said : 
Sir,  ye  be  welcome,  for  ye  shall  move  many  good  knights 
to  the  quest  of  the  Sangreal,  and  ye  shall  enchieve  that 
never  knights  might  bring  to  an  end.  Then  the  king  took 
him  by  the  hand,  and  went  down  from  the  palace  to  shew 
Galahad  the  adventures  of  the  stone. 

The  queen  heard  thereof,  and  came  after  with  many 
ladies,  and  shewed  them  the  stone  where  it  hoved  on  the 
water.  Sir,  said  the  king  unto  Sir  Galahad,  here  is  a  great 
marvel  as  ever  I  saw,  and  right  good  knights  have  assayed 
and  failed.  Sir,  said  Galahad,  that  is  no  marvel,  for  this 
adventure  is  not  theirs  but  mine ;  and  for  the  surety  of 
this  sword  I  brought  none  with  me,  for  here  by  my  side 
hangeth  the  scabbard.  And  anon  he  laid  his  hand  on  the 
sword,  and  lightly  drew  it  out  of  the  stone,  and  put  it  in 
the  sheath,  and  said  unto  the  king:  Now  it  goeth  better 
than  it  did  aforehand.  Now  have  I  that  sword  that  sometime 
was  the  good  knight's,  Balin  le  Savage,  and  he  was  a  passing 
good  man  of  his  hands ;  and  with  this  sword  he  slew  his 
brother  Balan,  and  that  was  great  pity,  for  he  was  a  good 
knight,  and  either  slew  other  through  a  dolorous  stroke 
that  Balin  gave  unto  my  grandfather  King  Pelles,  the 
which  is  not  yet  whole,  nor  not  shall  be  till  I  heal  him. 


320  OF  SIR  GALAHAD 

HOW  A  DAMOSEL  ANNOUNCED  TO 
KING  ARTHUR  THAT  THE  SAN- 
GREAL  SHOULD  APPEAR  IN  HIS 
HOUSE,  AND  HOW  KING  ARTHUR 
HAD  ALL  HIS  KNIGHTS  TOGETHER 
FOR  TO  JOUST  OR  THEY  DEPARTED, 
AND  HOW  THE  SANGREAL  APPEARED 
AS  THEY  SAT  AT  SUPPER,  AND  HOW  ALL  THE 
KNIGHTS  TOOK  UPON  THEM  THE  QUEST,  AND 
OF  THE  SORROW  OF  THE  KING  AND  QUEEN  AT 
THEIR  DEPARTING.  Therewith  the  king  and  all  espied 
where  came  riding  down  the  river  a  lady  on  a  white  palfrey 
toward  them.  Then  she  saluted  the  king  and  the  queen,  and 
asked  if  that  Sir  Launcelot  was  there.  And  then  he  answered 
himself:  I  am  here,  fair  lady.  Then  she  said  all  with  weep- 
ing :  How  your  great  doing  is  changed  sith  this  day  in  the 
morn.  Damosel,  why  say  you  so  ?  said  Launcelot.  I  say 
you  sooth,  said  the  damosel,  for  ye  were  this  day  the  best 
knight  of  the  world,  but  who  should  say  so  now,  he  should 
be  a  liar,  for  there  is  now  one  better  than  ye,  and  well  it 
is  proved  by  the  adventures  of  the  sword  whereto  ye  durst 
not  set  to  your  hand ;  and  that  is  the  change  and  leaving 
of  your  name.  Wherefore  I  make  unto  you  a  remembrance, 
that  ye  shall  not  ween  from  henceforth  that  ye  be  the  best 
knight  of  the  world.  As  touching  unto  that,  said  Launce- 
lot, I  know  well  I  was  never  the  best.  Yes,  said  the  damosel, 
that  were  ye,  and  are  yet,  of  any  sinful  man  of  the  world. 
And,  Sir  king,  Nacien,  the  hermit,  sendeth  thee  word,  that 
thee  shall  befall  the  greatest  worship  that  ever  befell  king 
in  Britain ;  and  I  say  you  wherefore,  for  this  day  the  San- 
greal  shall  appear  in  thy  house  and  shall  feed  thee  and  all 


OF  THE  TOURNAMENT  AT  CAMELOT       321 

thy  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table.  So  she  departed  and 
went  that  same  way  that  she  came. 

Now,  said  the  king,  I  am  sure  at  this  quest  of  the  San- 
greal  shall  all  ye  of  the  Table  Round  depart,  and  never  shall 
I  see  you  again  whole  together ;  therefore  I  will  see  you  all 
whole  together  in  the  meadow  of  Camelot  to  joust  and  to 
tourney,  that  after  your  death  men  may  speak  of  it  that 
such  good  knights  were  wholly  together  such  a  day.  As 
unto  that  counsel  and  at  the  king's  request  they  accorded 
all,  and  took  on  their  harness  that  longed  unto  jousting. 
But  all  this  moving  of  the  king  was  for  this  intent,  for  to  see 
Galahad  proved ;  for  the  king  deemed  he  should  not  lightly 
come  again  unto  the  court  after  his  departing.  So  were 
they  assembled  in  the  meadow,  both  more  and  less.  Then 
Sir  Galahad,  by  the  prayer  of  the  king  and  the  queen,  did 
upon  him  a  noble  jesseraunce,  and  also  he  did  on  his  helm, 
but  shield  would  he  take  none  for  no  prayer  of  the  king. 
And  then  Sir  Gawaine  and  other  knights  prayed  him  to 
take  a  spear.  Right  so  he  did ;  and  the  queen  was  in  a 
tower  with  all  her  ladies,  for  to  behold  that  tournament. 
Then  Sir  Galahad  dressed  him  in  midst  of  the  meadow,  and 
began  to  break  spears  marvellously,  that  all  men  had  wonder 
of  him ;  for  he  there  surmounted  all  other  knights,  for  within 
a  while  he  had  defouled  many  good  knights  of  the  Table 
Round  save  twain,  that  was  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Percivale. 

Then  the  king,  at  the  queen's  request,  made  him  to 
alight  and  to  unlace  his  helm,  that  the  queen  might  see 
him  in  the  visage.  When  she  beheld  him  she  said :  Soothly 
I  dare  well  say  that  Sir  Launcelot  is  his  father,  for  never 
two  men  resembled  more  in  likeness,  therefore  it  nis  no 
marvel  though  he  be  of  great  prowess.  So  a  lady  that  stood 


322  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

by  the  queen  said :  Madam,  ought  he  of  right  to  be  so  good 
a  knight  ?  Yea,  forsooth,  said  the  queen,  for  he  is  of  all 
parties  come  of  the  best  knights  of  the  world  and  of  the 
highest  lineage ;  for  Sir  Launcelot  is  come  but  of  the  eighth 
degree  from  our  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  and  Sir  Galahad  is  of  the 
ninth  degree  from  our  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  therefore  I  dare 
say  they  be  the  greatest  gentlemen  of  the  world. 

And  then  the  king  and  all  estates  went  home  unto  Camelot, 
and  so  went  to  evensong  to  the  great  minster,  and  so  after 
upon  that  to  supper,  and  every  knight  sat  in  his  own  place 
as  they  were  toforehand.  Then  anon  they  heard  cracking 
and  crying  of  thunder,  that  them  thought  the  place  should 
all  to-drive.  In  the  midst  of  this  blast  entered  a  sunbeam 
more  clearer  by  seven  times  than  ever  they  saw  day,  and 
all  they  were  alighted  of  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Then 
began  every  knight  to  behold  other,  and  either  saw  other, 
by  their  seeming,  fairer  than  ever  they  saw  afore.  Not 
for  then  there  was  no  knight  might  speak  one  word  a  great 
while,  and  so  they  looked  every  man  on  other  as  they  had 
been  dumb.  Then  there  entered  into  the  hall  the  Holy 
Grail  covered  with  white  samite,  but  there  was  none  might 
see  it,  nor  who  bare  it.  And  there  was  all  the  hall  fulfilled 
with  good  odours,  and  every  knight  had  such  meats  and 
drinks  as  he  best  loved  in  this  world.  And  when  the  Holy 
Grail  had  been  borne  through  the  hall,  then  the  holy  vessel 
departed  suddenly,  that  they  wist  not  where  it  became  : 
then  had  they  all  breath  to  speak.  And  then  the  king 
yielded  thankings  to  God,  of  His  good  grace  that  he  had 
sent  them.  Certes,  said  the  king,  we  ought  to  thank  our 
Lord  Jesu  greatly  for  that  He  hath  shewed  us  this  day,  at  the 
reverence  of  this  high  feast  of  Pentecost. 


OF  THE  VOW  OF  THE   KNIGHTS  323 

Now,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  we  have  been  served  this  day 
of  what  meats  and  drinks  we  thought  on ;  but  one  thing 
beguiled  us,  we  might  not  see  the  Holy  Grail,  it  was  so  pre- 
ciously covered.  Wherefore  I  will  make  here  avow,  that 
to-morn,  without  longer  abiding,  I  shall  labour  in  the  quest 
of  the  Sangreal,  that  I  shall  hold  me  out  a  twelvemonth 
and  a  day,  or  more  if  need  be,  and  never  shall  I  return  again 
unto  the  court  till  I  have  seen  it  more  openly  than  it  hath 
been  seen  here ;  and  if  I  may  not  speed  I  shall  return  again 
as  he  that  may  not  be  against  the  will  of  our  Lord  Jesu  Christ. 

When  they  of  the  Table  Round  heard  Sir  Gawaine  say 
so,  they  arose  up  the  most  part  and  made  such  avows  as 
Sir  Gawaine  had  made.  Anon  as  King  Arthur  heard  this 
he  was  greatly  displeased,  for  he  wist  well  they  might  not 
again-say  their  avows.  Alas,  said  King  Arthur  unto  Sir 
Gawaine,  ye  have  nigh  slain  me  with  the  avow  and  promise 
that  ye  have  made ;  for  through  you  ye  have  bereft  me  the 
fairest  fellowship  and  the  truest  of  knighthood  that  ever 
were  seen  together  in  any  realm  of  the  world ;  for  when 
they  depart  from  hence  I  am  sure  they  all  shall  never  meet 
more  in  this  world,  for  there  shall  die  many  in  the  quest. 
And  so  it  forthinketh  me  a  little,  for  I  have  loved  them  as 
well  as  my  life,  wherefore  it  shall  grieve  me  right  sore,  the 
departition  of  this  fellowship :  for  I  have  had  an  old  custom 
to  have  them  in  my  fellowship.  And  therewith  the  tears 
fell  in  his  eyes. 

When  the  queen,  ladies,  and  gentlewomen,  wist  these 
tidings,  they  had  such  sorrow  and  heaviness  that  there  might 
no  tongue  tell  it,  for  those  knights  had  held  them  in  honour 
and  chierte.  But  among  all  other  Queen  Guenever  made 
great  sorrow.  I  marvel,  said  she,  my  lord  would  suffer 


324  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

them  to  depart  from  him.  Thus  was  all  the  court  troubled 
for  the  departition  of  those  knights. 

After  this  the  queen  came  unto  Galahad  and  asked  him 
of  whence  he  was,  and  of  what  country.  He  told  her  of 
whence  he  was.  And  son  unto  Launcelot,  she  said  he  was. 
As  to  that  he  said  neither  yea  nor  nay.  So  God  me  help, 
said  the  queen,  of  your  father  ye  need  not  to  shame  you, 
for  he  is  the  goodliest  knight,  and  of  the  best  men  of  the 
world  come,  and  of  the  strain,  of  all  parties,  of  kings.  Where- 
fore ye  ought  of  right  to  be,  of  your  deeds,  a  passing  good 
man ;  and  certainly,  she  said,  ye  resemble  him  much.  Then 
Sir  Galahad  was  a  little  ashamed  and  said :  Madam,  sith 
ye  know  in  certain,  wherefore  do  ye  ask  it  me  ?  for  he  that 
is  my  father  shall  be  known  openly  and  all  betimes.  And 
then  they  went  to  rest  them.  And  in  the  honour  of  the 
highness  of  Galahad  he  was  led  into  King  Arthur's  chamber, 
and  there  rested  in  his  own  bed. 

And  as  soon  as  it  was  day  the  king  arose,  for  he  had  no 
rest  of  all  that  night  for  sorrow.  Then  he  went  unto  Gawaine 
and  to  Sir  Launcelot  that  were  arisen  for  to  hear  mass.  And 
then  the  king  again  said :  Ah  Gawaine,  Gawaine,  ye  have 
betrayed  me ;  for  never  shall  my  court  be  amended  by  you, 
but  ye  will  never  be  sorry  for  me  as  I  am  for  you.  And 
therewith  the  tears  began  to  run  down  by  his  visage.  And 
therewith  the  king  said :  Ah,  knight  Sir  Launcelot,  I  require 
thee  thou  counsel  me,  for  I  would  that  this  quest  were  un- 
done, an  it  might  be.  Sir,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  saw  yester- 
day so  many  worthy  knights  that  then  were  sworn  that 
they  may  not  leave  it  in  no  manner  of  wise.  That  wot 
I  well,  said  the  king,  but  it  shall  so  heavy  me  at  their  de- 
parting that  I  wot  well  there  shall  no  manner  of  joy  remedy 


THE  DEPARTURE  OF  THE   KNIGHTS       325 

me.  And  then  the  king  and  the  queen  went  unto  the  min- 
ster. So  anon  Launcelot  and  Gawaine  commanded  their 
men  to  bring  their  arms.  And  when  they  all  were  armed 
save  their  shields  and  their  helms,  then  they  came  to  their 
fellowship,  which  were  all  ready  in  the  same  wise,  for  to  go 
to  the  minster  to  hear  their  service. 

Then  after  the  service  was  done  the  king  would  wit  how 
many  had  undertaken  the  quest  of  the  Holy  Grail ;  and  to 
accompt  them  he  prayed  them  all.  Then  found  they  by 
the  tale  an  hundred  and  fifty,  and  all  were  knights  of  the 
Round  Table.  And  then  they  put  on  their  helms  and  de- 
parted, and  recommended  them  all  wholly  unto  the  queen ; 
and  there  was  weeping  and  great  sorrow.  Then  the  queen 
departed  into  her  chamber  and  held  her,  so  that  no  man 
should  perceive  her  great  sorrows.  When  Sir  Launcelot 
missed  the  queen  he  went  to  her  chamber,  and  when  she 
saw  him  she  cried  aloud :  O  Launcelot,  Launcelot,  ye  have 
betrayed  me  and  put  me  to  the  death,  for  to  leave  thus  my 
lord.  Ah,  madam,  I  pray  you  be  not  displeased,  for  I  shall 
come  again  as  soon  as  I  may  with  my  worship.  Alas,  said 
she,  that  ever  I  saw  you ;  but  he  that  suffered  upon  the  cross 
for  all  mankind,  he  be  unto  you  good  conduct  and  safety, 
and  to  all  the  whole  fellowship. 

Right  so  departed  Sir  Launcelot,  and  found  his  fellow- 
ship that  abode  his  coming.  And  so  they  mounted  upon 
their  horses  and  rode  through  the  streets  of  Camelot ;  and 
there  was  weeping  of  rich  and  poor,  and  the  king  turned 
away  and  might  not  speak  for  weeping. 


326  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 


HOW  GALAHAD  GAT  HIM  A  SHIELD, 
AND  HOW  THEY  SPED  THAT  PRE- 
SUMED TO  TAKE  DOWN  THE  SAID 
SHIELD,  AND  HOW  KING  EVELAKE 
HAD  RECEIVED  THAT  SHIELD  OF 
JOSEPH  OF  ARAMATHIE.  Now  rideth  Sir  Galahad  yet 
without  shield,  and  so  he  rode  four  days  without  any  adven- 
ture. And  at  the  fourth  day  after  evensong  he  came  to  a 
White  Abbey,  and  there  he  was  received  with  great  reverence, 
and  led  unto  a  chamber,  and  there  was  he  unarmed  ;  and  then 
was  he  ware  of  two  knights  of  the  Table  Round,  one  was  Sir 
Bagdemagus,  and  that  other  was  Sir  Uwaine.  And  when 
they  saw  him  they  went  unto  Galahad  and  made  of  him 
great  solace,  and  so  they  went  unto  supper.  Sirs,  said  Sir 
Galahad,  what  adventure  brought  you  hither  ?  Sir,  said 
they,  it  is  told  us  that  within  this  place  is  a  shield  that  no 
man  may^bear  about  his  neck  but  he  be  mischieved  outher 
dead  within  three  days,  or  maimed  for  ever.  Ah  sir,  said 
King  Bagdemagus,  I  shall  it  bear  to-morrow  for  to  assay  this 
adventure.  In  the  name  of  God,  said  Sir  Galahad.  Sir, 
said  Bagdemagus,  an  I  may  not  enchieve  the  adventure  of 
this  shield  ye  shall  take  it  upon  you,  for  I  am  sure  ye  shall 
not  fail.  Sir,  said  Galahad,  I  right  well  agree  me  thereto,  for 
I  have  no  shield.  So  on  the  morn  they  arose  and  heard  mass. 
Then  Bagdemagus  asked  where  the  adventurous  shield 
was.  Anon  a  monk  led  him  behind  an  altar  where  the  shield 
hung  as  white  as  any  snow,  but  in  the  midst  was  a  red  cross. 
Sir,  said  the  monk,  this  shield  ought  not  to  be  hanged  about 
no  knight's  neck  but  he  be  the  worthiest  knight  of  the  world ; 
therefore  I  counsel  you  knights  to  be  well  advised.  Well, 
said  Bagdemagus,  I  wot  well  that  I  am  not  the  best  knight 


HOW  SIR  GALAHAD   GAT  A   SHIELD        327 

of  the  world,  but  yet  I  shall  assay  to  bear  it,  and  so  bare  it 
out  of  the  minster.  And  then  he  said  unto  Galahad :  An  it 
please  you,  abide  here  still,  till  ye  wit  how  that  I  speed.  I 
shall  abide  you,  said  Galahad.  Then  King  Bagdemagus  took 
with  him  a  good  squire,  to  bring  tidings  unto  Sir  Galahad 
how  he  sped. 

Then  when  they  had  ridden  a  two  mile  and  came  to  a 
fair  valley  afore  an  hermitage,  then  they  saw  a  knight  come 
from  that  part  in  white  armour,  horse  and  all ;  and  he  came 
as  fast  as  his  horse  might  run,  and  his  spear  in  his  rest,  and 
Bagdemagus  dressed  his  spear  against  him  and  brake  it 
upon  the  white  knight.  But  the  other  struck  him  so  hard 
that  he  brast  the  mails,  and  sheef  him  through  the  right 
shoulder,  for  the  shield  covered  him  not  as  at  that  time ; 
and  so  he  bare  him  from  his  horse.  And  therewith  he 
alighted  and  took  the  white  shield  from  him,  saying :  Knight, 
thou  hast  done  thyself  great  folly,  for  this  shield  ought  not 
to  be  borne  but  by  him  that  shall  have  no  peer  that  liveth. 
And  then  he  came  to  Bagdemagus'  squire  and  said :  Bear 
this  shield  unto  the  good  knight  Sir  Galahad,  that  thou 
left  in  the  abbey,  and  greet  him  well  by  me.  Sir,  said  the 
squire,  what  is  your  name  ?  Take  thou  no  heed  of  my 
name,  said  the  knight,  for  it  is  not  for  thee  to  know,  nor 
for  none  earthly  man.  Now,  fair  sir,  said  the  squire,  at 
the  reverence  of  Jesu  Christ,  tell  me  for  what  cause  this 
shield  may  not  be  borne  but  if  the  bearer  thereof  be  mis- 
chieved.  Now  sith  thou  hast  conjured  me  so,  said  the 
knight,  this  shield  behoveth  unto  no  man  but  unto  Galahad. 
And  the  squire  went  unto  Bagdemagus  and  asked  whether 
he  were  sore  wounded  or  not.  Yea  forsooth,  said  he,  I 
shall  escape  hard  from  the  death.  Then  he  fetched  his 


328  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

horse,  and  brought  him  with  great  pain  unto  an  abbey. 
Then  was  he  taken  down  softly  and  unarmed,  and  laid  in  a 
bed,  and  there  was  looked  to  his  wounds.  And  as  the  book 
telleth,  he  lay  there  long,  and  escaped  hard  with  the  life. 

Sir  Galahad,  said  the  squire,  that  knight  that  wounded 
Bagdemagus  sendeth  you  greeting,  and  bade  that  ye  should 
bear  this  shield,  wherethrough  great  adventures  should 
befall.  Now  blessed  be  God  and  fortune,  said  Galahad. 
And  then  he  asked  his  arms,  and  mounted  upon  his  horse, 
and  hung  the  white  shield  about  his  neck,  and  commended 
them  unto  God.  And  Sir  Uwaine  said  he  would  bear  him 
fellowship  if  it  pleased  him.  Sir,  said  Galahad,  that  may 
ye  not,  for  I  must  go  alone,  save  this  squire  shall  bear  me 
fellowship :  and  so  departed  Uwaine. 

Then  within  a  while  came  Galahad  thereas  the  White 
Knight  abode  him  by  the  hermitage,  and  everych  saluted 
other  courteously.  Sir,  said  Galahad,  by  this  shield  be 
many  marvels  fallen.  Sir,  said  the  knight,  it  befell  after 
the  passion  of  our  Lord  Jesu  Christ  thirty-two  year,  that 
Joseph  of  Aramathie,  the  gentle  knight,  the  which  took 
down  our  Lord  off  the  holy  Cross,  at  that  time  he  departed 
from  Jerusalem  with  a  great  party  of  his  kindred  with  him. 
And  so  he  laboured  till  that  they  came  to  a  city  that  hight 
Sarras.  And  at  that  same  hour  that  Joseph  came  to  Sarras 
there  was  a  king  that  hight  Evelake,  that  had  great  war 
against  the  Saracens,  and  in  especial  against  one  Saracen, 
the  which  was  King  Evelake's  cousin,  a  rich  king  and  a 
mighty,  which  marched  nigh  this  land,  and  his  name  was 
called  Tolleme  la  Feintes.  So  on  a  day  these  two  met  to  do 
battle.  Then  Joseph,  the  son  of  Joseph  of  Aramathie,  went 
to  King  Evelake  and  told  him  he  should  be  discomfit  and 


OF  JOSEPH  AND  THE  WHITE  SHIELD      329 

slain,  but  if  he  left  his  belief  of  the  old  law  and  believed  upon 
the  new  law.  And  then  there  he  shewed  him  the  right 
belief  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  to  the  which  he  agreed  unto  with 
all  his  heart ;  and  there  this  shield  was  made  for  King  Eve- 
lake,  in  the  name  of  Him  that  died  upon  the  Cross.  And 
then  through  his  good  belief  he  had  the  better  of  King  Tol- 
leme.  For  when  Evelake  was  in  the  battle  there  was  a 
cloth  set  afore  the  shield,  and  when  he  was  in  the  greatest 
peril  he  let  put  away  the  cloth,  and  then  his  enemies  saw  a 
figure  of  a  man  on  the  Cross,  wherethrough  they  all  were 
discomfit.  And  so  it  befell  that  a  man  of  King  Evelake's 
was  smitten  his  hand  off,  and  bare  that  hand  in  his  other 
hand ;  and  Joseph  called  that  man  unto  him  and  bade  him 
go  with  good  devotion  touch  the  Cross.  And  as  soon  as 
that  man  had  touched  the  Cross  with  his  hand  it  was  as  whole 
as  ever  it  was  to-fore.  Then  soon  after  there  fell  a  great 
marvel,  that  the  cross  of  the  shield  at  one  time  vanished 
away  that  no  man  wist  where  it  became.  And  then  King 
Evelake  was  baptised,  and  for  the  most  part  all  the  people 
of  that  city.  So,  soon  after  Joseph  would  depart,  and  King 
Evelake  would  go  with  him,  whether  he  wold  or  nold.  And 
so  by  fortune  they  came  into  this  land,  that  at  that  time 
was  called  Great  Britain ;  and  there  they  found  a  great 
felon  paynim,  that  put  Joseph  into  prison.  And  so  by  for- 
tune tidings  came  unto  a  worthy  man  that  hight  Mondrames, 
and  he  assembled  all  his  people  for  the  great  renown  he  had 
heard  of  Joseph ;  and  so  he  came  into  the  land  of  Great 
Britain  and  disherited  this  felon  paynim  and  consumed 
him,  and  therewith  delivered  Joseph  out  of  prison.  And 
after  that  all  the  people  were  turned  to  the  Christian  faith. 
Not  long  after  that  Joseph  was  laid  in  his  deadly  bed. 


330  OF  SIR  GALAHAD 

And  when  King  Evelake  saw  that  he  made  much  sorrow, 
and  said :  For  thy  love  I  have  left  my  country,  and  sith 
ye  shall  depart  out  of  this  world,  leave  me  some  token  of 
yours  that  I  may  think  on  you.  Joseph  said :  That  will 
I  do  full  gladly ;  now  bring  me  your  shield  that  I  took  you 
when  ye  went  into  battle  against  King  Tolleme.  Then 
Joseph  bled  sore  at  the  nose,  so  that  he  might  not  by  no 
mean  be  staunched.  And  there  upon  that  shield  he  made 
a  cross  of  his  own  blood.  Now  may  ye  see  a  remembrance 
that  I  love  you,  for  ye  shall  never  see  this  shield  but  ye  shall 
think  on  me,  and  it  shall  be  always  as  fresh  as  it  is  now. 
And  never  shall  man  bear  this  shield  about  his  neck  but  he 
shall  repent  it,  unto  the  time  that  Galahad,  the  good  knight, 
bear  it ;  and  the  last  of  my  lineage  shall  have  it  about  his 
neck,  that  shall  do  many  marvellous  deeds.  Now,  said  King 
Evelake,  where  shall  I  put  this  shield,  that  this  worthy 
knight  may  have  it  ?  Ye  shall  leave  it  thereas  Nacien,  the 
hermit,  shall  be  put  after  his  death;  for  thither  shall  that 
good  knight  come  the  fifteenth  day  after  that  he  shall  receive 
the  order  of  knighthood.  And  so  that  day  that  they  set 
is  this  time  that  ye  have  his  shield,  and  in  the  same  abbey 
lieth  Nacien,  the  hermit.  And  then  the  White  Knight 
vanished  away. 

HOW      SIR      GALAHAD      DESTROYED      THE 
WICKED    CUSTOM    OF    THE    CASTLE    OF 
MAIDENS,  AND   HOW  HE  MET  WITH  SIR 
LAUNCELOT   AND    SIR    PERCIVALE    AND    SMOTE 
THEM  DOWN.     Now  departed  Galahad,  and  rode  many 
journeys  forward  and  backward,   as  adventure  would  lead 
him.     And  at  the  last  Sir  Galahad  came  unto  a  mountain 


THE  CASTLE  OF  MAIDENS  331 

where  he  found  an  old  chapel,  and  found  there  nobody,  for 
all,  all  was  desolate ;  and  there  he  kneeled  to-fore  the  altar, 
and  besought  God  of  wholesome  counsel.  So  as  he  prayed 
he  heard  a  voice  that  said :  Go  thou  now,  thou  adventurous 
knight,  to  the  Castle  of  Maidens,  and  there  do  thou  away 
the  wicked  customs. 

When  Sir  Galahad  heard  this  he  thanked  God,  and  took 
his  horse ;  and  he  had  not  ridden  but  half  a  mile,  he  saw 
in  the  valley  afore  him  a  strong  castle  with  deep  ditches, 
and  there  ran  beside  it  a  fair  river  that  hight  Severn ;  and 
there  he  met  with  a  man  of  great  age,  and  either  saluted 
other,  and  Galahad  asked  him  the  castle's  name.  Fair  sir, 
said  he,  it  is  the  Castle  of  Maidens.  That  is  a  cursed  castle, 
said  Galahad,  and  all  they  that  be  conversant  therein,  for 
all  pity  is  out  thereof,  and  all  hardiness  and  mischief  is  there- 
in. Therefore,  I  counsel  you,  sir  knight,  to  turn  again. 
Sir,  said  Galahad,  wit  you  well  I  shall  not  turn  again.  Then 
looked  Sir  Galahad  on  his  arms  that  nothing  failed  him, 
and  then  he  put  his  shield  afore  him;  and  anon  there  met 
him  seven  fair  maidens,  the  which  said  unto  him :  Sir  knight, 
ye  ride  here  in  a  great  folly,  for  ye  have  the  water  to  pass 
over.  Why  should  I  not  pass  the  water  ?  said  Galahad. 
So  rode  he  away  from  them  and  met  with  a  squire  that  said : 
Knight,  those  knights  in  the  castle  defy  you,  and  defenden 
you  ye  go  no  further  till  that  they  wit  what  ye  would.  Fair 
sir,  said  Galahad,  I  come  for  to  destroy  the  wicked  custom 
of  this  castle.  Sir,  an  ye  will  abide  by  that  ye  shall  have 
enough  to  do.  Go  you  now,  said  Galahad,  and  haste  my  needs. 

Then  the  squire  entered  into  the  castle.  And  anon 
after  there  came  out  of  the  castle  seven  knights,  and  all 
were  brethren.  And  when  they  saw  Galahad  they  cried : 


332  OF   SIR  GALAHAD 

Knight,  keep  thee,  for  we  assure  thee  nothing  but  death. 
Why,  said  Galahad,  will  ye  all  have  ado  with  me  at  once  ? 
Yea,  said  they,  thereto  mayst  thou  trust.  Then  Galahad 
put  forth  his  spear  and  smote  the  foremost  to  the  earth, 
that  near  he  brake  his  neck.  And  therewithal  the  other 
smote  him  on  his  shield  great  strokes,  so  that  their  spears 
brake.  Then  Sir  Galahad  drew  out  his  sword,  and  set  upon 
them  so  hard  that  it  was  marvel  to  see  it,  and  so  through 
great  force  he  made  them  to  forsake  the  field ;  and  Galahad 
chased  them  till  they  entered  into  the  castle,  and  so  passed 
through  the  castle  at  another  gate. 

And  there  met  Sir  Galahad  an  old  man  clothed  in  religious 
clothing,  and  said :  Sir,  have  here  the  keys  of  this  castle. 
Then  Sir  Galahad  opened  the  gates,  and  saw  so  much  people 
in  the  streets  that  he  might  not  number  them,  and  all  said : 
Sir,  ye  be  welcome,  for  long  have  we  abiden  here  our  deliver- 
ance. Then  came  to  him  a  gentlewoman  and  said :  These 
knights  be  fled,  but  they  will  come  again  this  night,  and 
here  to  begin  again  their  evil  custom.  What  will  ye  that  I 
shall  do  ?  said  Galahad.  Sir,  said  the  gentlewoman,  that 
ye  send  after  all  the  knights  hither  that  hold  their  lands  of 
this  castle,  and  make  them  to  swear  for  to  use  the  customs 
that  were  used  heretofore  of  old  time.  I  will  well,  said 
Galahad.  And  there  she  brought  him  an  horn  of  ivory, 
bounden  with  gold  richly,  and  said :  Sir,  blow  this  horn 
which  will  be  heard  two  mile  about  this  castle.  When  Sir 
Galahad  had  blown  the  horn  he  set  him  down  upon  a  bed. 

Then  came  a  priest  to  Galahad,  and  said :  Sir,  it  is  past 
a  seven  year  agone  that  these  seven  brethren  came  into  this 
castle,  and  harboured  with  the  lord  of  this  castle,  that  hight 
the  Duke  Lianour,  and  he  was  lord  of  all  this  country.  And 


OF  SIR  GALAHAD  AND  THE   KNIGHTS      333 

when  they  espied  the  duke's  daughter,  that  was  a  full  fair 
woman,  then  by  their  false  covin  they  made  debate  betwixt 
themselves,  and  the  duke  of  his  goodness  would  have  departed 
them,  and  there  they  slew  him  and  his  eldest  son.  And 
then  they  took  the  maiden  and  the  treasure  of  the  castle. 
And  then  by  great  force  they  held  all  the  knights  of  this 
castle  against  their  will  under  their  obeissance,  and  in  great 
service  and  truage,  robbing  and  pilling  the  poor  common 
people  of  all  that  they  had.  So  it  happened  on  a  day  the 
duke's  daughter  said :  Ye  have  done  unto  me  great  wrong 
to  slay  mine  own  father,  and  my  brother,  and  thus  to  hold 
our  lands :  not  for  then,  she  said,  ye  shall  not  hold  this  castle 
for  many  years,  for  by  one  knight  ye  shall  be  overcome. 
Thus  she  prophesied  seven  years  agone.  Well,  said  the 
seven  knights,  sithen  ye  say  so,  there  shall  never  lady  nor 
knight  pass  this  castle  but  they  shall  abide  maugre  their 
heads,  or  die  therefore,  till  that  knight  be  come  by  whom 
we  shall  lose  this  castle.  And  therefore  is  it  called  the 
Maidens'  Castle,  for  they  have  devoured  many  maidens. 
Now,  said  Galahad,  is  she  here  for  whom  this  castle  was  lost  ? 
Nay,  sir,  said  the  priest,  she  was  dead  within  these  three 
nights  after  that  she  was  thus  enforced ;  and  sithen  have 
they  kept  her  younger  sister,  which  endureth  great  pains 
with  many  other  ladies. 

By  this  were  the  knights  of  the  country  come,  and  then 
he  made  them  do  homage  and  fealty  to  the  king's  daughter, 
and  set  them  in  great  ease  of  heart.  And  in  the  morn  there 
came  one  to  Galahad  and  told  him  how  that  Gawaine,  Gareth, 
and  Uwaine,  had  slain  the  seven  brethren.  I  suppose  well, 
said  Sir  Galahad,  and  took  his  armour  and  his  horse,  and 
commended  them  unto  God. 


334  OF   SIR  GALAHAD 

So  when  Sir  Galahad  was  departed  from  the  Castle  of 
Maidens  he  rode  till  he  came  to  a  waste  forest,  and  there 
he  met  with  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Percivale,  but  they  knew 
him  not,  for  he  was  new  disguised.  Right  so  Sir  Launcelot, 
his  father,  dressed  his  spear  and  brake  it  upon  Sir  Galahad, 
and  Galahad  smote  him  so  again  that  he  smote  down  horse 
and  man.  And  then  he  drew  his  sword,  and  dressed  him 
unto  Sir  Percivale,  and  smote  him  so  on  the  helm,  that  it 
rove  to  the  coif  of  steel ;  and  had  not  the  sword  swerved 
Sir  Percivale  had  been  slain,  and  with  the  stroke  he  fell  out 
of  his  saddle.  This  jousts  was  done  to-fore  the  hermitage 
where  a  recluse  dwelled.  And  when  she  saw  Sir  Galahad 
ride,  she  said :  God  be  with  thee,  best  knight  of  the  world. 
Ah  certes,  said  she,  all  aloud  that  Launcelot  and  Percivale 
might  hear  it,  an  yonder  two  knights  had  known  thee  as 
well  as  I  do  they  would  not  have  encountered  with  thee. 
When  Sir  Galahad  heard  her  say  so  he  was  adread  to  be 
known :  therewith  he  smote  his  horse  with  his  spurs  and 
rode  a  great  pace  froward  them.  Then  perceived  they  both 
that  he  was  Galahad ;  and  up  they  gat  on  their  horses, 
and  rode  fast  after  him,  but  in  a  while  he  was  out  of  their 
sight. 

And  then  Sir  Launcelot  rode  overthwart  and  endlong 
in  a  wild  forest,  and  held  no  path  but  as  wild  adventure 
led  him.  And  at  the  last  he  came  to  a  stony  cross  which  de- 
parted two  ways  in  waste  land ;  and  by  the  cross  was  a 
stone  that  was  of  marble,  but  it  was  so  dark  that  Sir  Launcelot 
might  not  wit  what  it  was.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  looked  by 
him,  and  saw  an  old  chapel,  and  there  he  weened  to  have 
found  people ;  and  Sir  Launcelot  tied  his  horse  till  a  tree, 
and  there  he  did  off  his  shield  and  hung  it  upon  a  tree,  and 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT'S   VISION  335 

then  went  to  the  chapel  door,  and  found  it  waste  and  broken. 
And  within  he  found  a  fair  altar,  full  richly  arrayed  with 
cloth  of  clean  silk,  and  there  stood  a  fair  clean  candlestick, 
which  bare  six  great  candles,  and  the  candlestick  was  of 
silver.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  this  light  he  had  great 
will  for  to  enter  into  the  chapel,  but  he  could  find  no  place 
where  he  might  enter;  then  was  he  passing  heavy  and  dis- 
mayed. Then  he  returned  and  came  to  his  horse  and  did 
off  his  saddle  and  bridle,  and  let  him  pasture,  and  unlaced 
his  helm,  and  ungirt  his  sword,  and  laid  him  down  to  sleep 
upon  his  shield  to-fore  the  cross. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT,  HALF  SLEEP- 
ING AND  HALF  WAKING,  SAW  A  SICK 
MAN  HEALED  WITH  THE  SANGREAL, 
AND  HOW  A  VOICE  SPAKE  TO  SIR 
LAUNCELOT,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS 
SHRIVEN,  AND  HOW  A  GOOD  MAN 
GAVE  HIM  A  HAIR  SHIRT  TO  WEAR,  AND  HOW 
HE  WAS  OVERCOME  AT  A  JOUSTING  AND  AT  LAST 
CAME  TO  A  RIVER.  And  so  he  fell  asleep;  and  half 
waking  and  sleeping  he  saw  come  by  him  two  palfreys  all 
fair  and  white,  the  which  bare  a  litter,  therein  lying  a  sick 
knight.  And  when  he  was  nigh  the  cross  he  there  abode 
still.  All  this  Sir  Launcelot  saw  and  beheld,  for  he  slept 
not  verily ;  and  he  heard  him  say :  O  sweet  Lord,  when 
shall  this  sorrow  leave  me  ?  and  when  shall  the  holy  vessel 
come  by  me,  wherethrough  I  shall  be  blessed  ?  For  I  have 
endured  thus  long  for  little  trespass.  A  full  great  while 
complained  the  knight  thus,  and  always  Sir  Launcelot  heard 
it.  With  that  Sir  Launcelot  saw  the  candlestick  with  the 


336  OF  SIR  GALAHAD 

six  tapers  come  before  the  cross,  and  he  saw  nobody  that 
brought  it.  Also  there  came  a  table  of  silver,  and  the  holy 
vessel  of  the  Sangreal,  which  Launcelot  had  seen  aforetime 
in  King  Pescheour's  house.  And  therewith  the  sick  knight 
set  him  up,  and  held  up  both  his  hands,  and  said :  Fair  sweet 
Lord,  which  is  here  within  this  holy  vessel ;  take  heed  unto 
me  that  I  may  be  whole  of  this  malady.  And  therewith  on 
his  hands  and  on  his  knees  he  went  so  nigh  that  he  touched 
the  holy  vessel  and  kissed  it,  and  anon  he  was  whole ;  and 
then  he  said :  Lord  God,  I  thank  thee,  for  I  am  healed  of 
this  sickness. 

So  when  the  holy  vessel  had  been  there  a  great  while 
it  went  unto  the  chapel  with  the  chandelier  and  the  light, 
so  that  Launcelot  wist  not  where  it  was  become ;  for  he  was 
overtaken  with  sin  that  he  had  no  power  to  rise  again  the 
holy  vessel;  wherefore  after  that  many  men  said  of  him 
shame,  but  he  took  repentance  after  that.  Then  the  sick 
knight  dressed  him  up  and  kissed  the  cross ;  anon  his  squire 
brought  him  his  arms,  and  asked  his  lord  how  he  did.  Certes, 
said  he,  I  thank  God  right  well,  through  the  holy  vessel  I 
am  healed.  But  I  have  marvel  of  this  sleeping  knight  that 
had  no  power  to  awake  when  this  holy  vessel  was  brought 
hither.  I  dare  right  well  say,  said  the  squire,  that  he  dwelleth 
in  some  deadly  sin  whereof  he  was  never  confessed.  By  my 
faith,  said  the  knight,  whatsomever  he  be  he  is  unhappy,  for 
as  I  deem  he  is  of  the  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table,  the 
which  is  entered  into  the  quest  of  the  Sangreal.  Sir,  said 
the  squire,  here  I  have  brought  you  all  your  arms  save  your 
helm  and  your  sword,  and  therefore  by  mine  assent  now  may 
ye  take  this  knight's  helm  and  his  sword :  and  so  he  did. 
And  when  he  was  clean  armed  he  took  Sir  Launcelot's  horse, 


OF  THE  GRIEF  OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT        337 

for  he  was  better  than  his ;  and  so  departed  they  from  the 
cross. 

Then  anon  Sir  Launcelot  waked,  and  set  him  up,  and 
bethought  him  what  he  had  seen  there,  and  whether  it  were 
dreams  or  not.  Right  so  heard  he  a  voice  that  said :  Sir 
Launcelot,  more  harder  than  is  the  stone,  and  more  bitter 
than  is  the  wood,  and  more  naked  and  barer  than  is  the 
leaf  of  the  fig  tree ;  therefore  go  thou  from  hence,  and  with- 
draw thee  from  this  holy  place.  And  when  Sir  Launce- 
lot heard  this  he  was  passing  heavy  and  wist  not  what  to  do, 
and  so  departed  sore  weeping,  and  cursed  the  time  that  he 
was  born.  For  then  he  deemed  never  to  have  had  worship 
more.  For  those  words  went  to  his  heart.  Then  Sir  Launce- 
lot went  to  the  cross  and  found  his  helm,  his  sword,  and  his 
horse  taken  away.  And  then  he  called  himself  a  very  wretch, 
and  most  unhappy  of  all  knights ;  and  there  he  said :  My 
sin  and  my  wickedness  have  brought  me  unto  great  dis- 
honour. For  when  I  sought  worldly  adventures  for  worldly 
desires,  I  ever  enchieved  them  and  had  the  better  in  every 
place,  and  never  was  I  discomfit  in  no  quarrel,  were  it  right 
or  wrong.  And  now  I  take  upon  me  the  adventures  of 
holy  things,  and  now  I  see  and  understand  that  mine  old 
sin  hindereth  me  and  shameth  me,  so  that  I  had  no  power 
to  stir  nor  speak  when  the  holy  blood  appeared  afore  me. 
So  thus  he  sorrowed  till  it  was  day,  and  heard  the  fowls 
sing:  then  somewhat  he  was  comforted.  But  when  Sir 
Launcelot  missed  his  horse  and  his  harness  then  he  wist 
well  God  was  displeased  with  him. 

Then  he  departed  from  the  cross  on  foot  into  a  forest; 
and  so  by  prime  he  came  to  an  high  hill,  and  found  an  her- 
mitage and  a  hermit  therein  which  was  going  unto  mass. 


338  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

And  then  Launcelot  kneeled  down  and  cried  on  Our  Lord 
mercy  for  his  wicked  works.  So  when  mass  was  done  Launce- 
lot called  the  hermit,  and  prayed  him  for  charity  for  to 
hear  his  life.  With  a  good  will,  said  the  good  man.  Sir, 
said  he,  be  ye  of  King  Arthur's  court  and  of  the  fellowship 
of  the  Round  Table  ?  Yea  forsooth,  and  my  name  is  Sir 
Launcelot  du  Lake  that  hath  been  right  well  said  of,  and 
now  my  good  fortune  is  changed,  for  I  am  the  most  wretch 
of  the  world.  The  hermit  beheld  him  and  had  marvel  how 
he  was  so  abashed.  Sir,  said  the  hermit,  ye  ought  to  thank 
God  more  than  any  knight  living,  for  He  hath  caused  you 
to  have  more  worldly  worship  than  any  knight  that  now 
liveth.  And  for  your  presumption  to  take  upon  you  in 
deadly  sin  for  to  be  in  His  presence,  where  His  flesh  and 
His  blood  was,  that  caused  you  ye  might  not  see  it  with 
worldly  eyes ;  for  He  will  not  appear  where  such  sinners 
be,  but  if  it  be  unto  their  great  hurt  and  unto  their  great 
shame  ;  and  there  is  no  knight  living  now  that  ought  to  give 
God  so  great  thank  as  ye,  for  He  hath  given  you  beauty, 
seemliness,  and  great  strength  above  all  other  knights ;  and 
therefore  ye  are  the  more  beholding  unto  God  than  any 
other  man,  to  love  Him  and  dread  Him,  for  your  strength 
and  manhood  will  little  avail  you  an  God  be  against  you. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  wept  with  heavy  cheer,  and  said : 
Now  I  know  well  ye  say  me  sooth.  Sir,  said  the  good  man, 
hide  none  old  sin  from  me.  Truly,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that 
were  me  full  loath  to  discover.  For  this  fourteen  year  I 
never  discovered  one  thing  that  I  have  used,  and  that  may 
I  now  wite  my  shame  and  my  disadventure.  And  then 
he  told  there  that  good  man  all  his  life.  And  how  he  had 
loved  a  queen  unmeasurably  and  out  of  measure  long.  And 


OF  SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND  THE   HERMIT    339 

all  my  great  deeds  of  arms  that  I  have  done,  I  did  for  the 
most  part  for  the  queen's  sake,  and  for  her  sake  would  I 
do  battle  were  it  right  or  wrong;  and  never  did  I  battle 
all  only  for  God's  sake,  but  for  to  win  worship  and  to  cause 
me  to  be  the  better  beloved,  and  little  or  nought  I  thanked 
God  of  it.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  said :  I  pray  you  counsel 
me.  I  will  counsel  you,  said  the  hermit,  if  ye  will  ensure 
me  that  ye  will  never  come  in  that  queen's  fellowship  as 
much  as  ye  may  forbear.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  promised 
him  he  nold,  by  the  faith  of  his  body.  Look  that  your  heart 
and  your  mouth  accord,  said  the  good  man,  and  I  shall  en- 
sure you  ye  shall  have  more  worship  than  ever  ye  had. 

Then  the  good  man  enjoined  Sir  Launcelot  such  penance 
as  he  might  do  and  to  sewe  knighthood,  and  so  assoiled 
him,  and  when  he  had  kept  Sir  Launcelot  three  days,  he 
gat  him  an  horse,  an  helm,  and  a  sword.  And  then  Sir 
Launcelot  departed  about  the  hour  of  noon.  And  then 
he  saw  a  little  house.  And  when  he  came  near  he  saw  a 
chapel,  and  there  beside  he  saw  an  old  man  that  was  clothed 
all  in  white  full  richly ;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  said :  God 
save  you.  God  keep  you,  said  the  good  man,  and  make 
you  a  good  knight.  Be  ye  not  Sir  Launcelot  ?  Yea,  sir, 
said  he.  What  seek  ye  in  this  country  ?  Sir,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, I  go  to  seek  the  adventures  of  the  Sangreal.  Well, 
said  he,  seek  it  ye  may  well,  but  though  it  were  here  ye  shall 
have  no  power  to  see  it  no  more  than  a  blind  man  should 
see  a  bright  sword,  and  that  is  long  on  your  sin,  and  else 
ye  were  more  abler  than  any  man  living.  And  then  Sir 
Launcelot  began  to  weep,  and  said :  Father,  what  shall  I 
do  ?  Now,  said  the  good  man,  I  require  you  take  this  hair 
that  was  an  holy  man's  and  put  it  next  thy  skin,  and  it  shall 


340  OF   SIR  GALAHAD 

prevail  thee  greatly.  Sir,  and  I  will  do  it,  said  Sir  Launcelot. 
Also  I  charge  you  that  ye  eat  no  flesh  as  long  as  ye  be  in 
the  quest  of  the  Sangreal,  nor  ye  shall  drink  no  wine,  and 
that  ye  hear  mass  daily  an  ye  may  do  it.  So  he  took  the 
hair  and  put  it  upon  him,  and  so  departed  at  evensong-time. 
Then  he  rode  till  that  he  came  to  a  Cross,  and  took  that  for 
his  host  as  for  that  night,  and  made  his  prayers  unto  the 
Cross  that  he  never  fall  in  deadly  sin  again.  And  on  the 
morn  he  took  his  horse  and  rode  till  midday;  and  there  by 
adventure  he  met  with  the  same  knight  that  took  his  horse, 
his  helm,  and  his  sword,  when  he  slept  when  the  Sangreal 
appeared  afore  the  Cross.  When  Sir  Launcelot  saw  him 
he  saluted  him  not  fair,  but  cried  on  high :  Knight,  keep 
thee,  for  thou  hast  done  to  me  great  unkindness.  And  then 
they  put  afore  them  their  spears,  and  Sir  Launcelot  came  so 
fiercely  upon  him  that  he  smote  him  and  his  horse  down  to  the 
earth,  that  he  had  nigh  broken  his  neck.  Then  Sir  Launcelot 
took  the  knight's  horse  that  was  his  own  aforehand,  and 
descended  from  the  horse  he  sat  upon,  and  mounted  upon 
his  own  horse,  and  tied  the  knight's  own  horse  to  a  tree, 
that  he  might  find  that  horse  when  that  he  was  arisen. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  rode  into  a  forest,  and  held  no  high- 
way. And  as  he  looked  afore  him  he  saw  a  fair  plain,  and 
beside  that  a  fair  castle,  and  afore  the  castle  were  many 
pavilions  of  silk  and  of  divers  hue.  And  him  seemed  that 
he  saw  there  five  hundred  knights  riding  on  horseback ;  and 
there  were  two  parties  :  they  that  were  of  the  castle  were  all 
on  black  horses  and  their  trappings  black,  and  they  that  were 
without  were  all  on  white  horses  and  trappings,  and  everych 
hurtled  to  other  that  it  marvelled  Sir  Launcelot.  And  at  the 
last  him  thought  they  of  the  castle  were  put  to  the  worse. 


HOW  SIR   LAUNCELOT  WAS  OVERCOME     341 

Then  thought  Sir  Launcelot  for  to  help  there  the  weaker 
party  in  increasing  of  his  chivalry.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot 
thrust  in  among  the  party  of  the  castle,  and  smote  down 
a  knight,  horse  and  man,  to  the  earth.  And  then  he  rashed 
here  and  there,  and  did  marvellous  deeds  of  arms.  And 
then  he  drew  out  his  sword,  and  struck  many  knights  to 
the  earth,  so  that  all  those  that  saw  him  marvelled  that  ever 
one  knight  might  do  so  great  deeds  of  arms.  But  always 
the  white  knights  held  them  nigh  about  Sir  Launcelot,  for 
to  tire  him  and  wind  him.  But  at  the  last,  as  a  man  may 
not  ever  endure,  Sir  Launcelot  waxed  so  faint  of  fighting 
and  travailing,  and  was  so  weary  of  his  great  deeds,  that 
he  might  not  lift  up  his  arms  for  to  give  one  stroke,  so  that 
he  weened  never  to  have  borne  arms ;  and  then  they  all 
took  and  led  him  away  into  a  forest,  and  there  made  him  to 
alight  and  to  rest  him.  And  then  all  the  fellowship  of  the 
castle  were  overcome  for  the  default  of  him.  Then  they 
said  all  unto  Sir  Launcelot :  Blessed  be  God  that  ye  be  now 
of  our  fellowship,  for  we  shall  hold  you  in  our  prison ;  and 
so  they  left  him  with  few  words.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot 
made  great  sorrow,  For  never  or  now  was  I  never  at  tourna- 
ment nor  jousts  but  I  had  the  best,  and  now  I  am  shamed  ; 
and  then  he  said :  Now  I  am  sure  that  I  am  more  sinfuller 
than  ever  I  was. 

Thus  he  rode  sorrowing,  and  half  a  day  he  was  out  of 
despair,  till  that  he  came  into  a  deep  valley,  and  there  he 
saw  a  river  and  an  high  mountain.  And  through  the  water 
he  must  needs  pass,  the  which  was  hideous ;  and  then  in 
the  name  of  God  he  took  it  with  good  heart.  And  when 
he  came  over  he  saw  an  armed  knight,  horse  and  man  black 
as  any  bear;  without  any  word  he  smote  Sir  Launcelot's 


342  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

horse  to  the  earth ;  and  so  he  passed  on,  he  wist  not  where 
he  was  become.  And  then  he  took  his  helm  and  his  shield, 
and  thanked  God  of  his  adventure. 

HOW  SIR  PERCIVALE  FOUND  KING 
EVELAKE,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS  RES- 
CUED FROM  TWENTY  KNIGHTS 
BY  SIR  GALAHAD,  AND  HOW  THE 
FIEND  DISGUISED  AS  THE  LADY  OF  A  SHIP 
BEGUILED  HIM,  AND  OF  HIS  PENANCE.  Now 
saith  the  tale  that,  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  ridden  after 
Sir  Galahad,  Sir  Percivale  rode  till  he  was  ware  of  an  house 
closed  well  with  walls  and  deep  ditches,  and  there  he  knocked 
at  the  gate  and  was  let  in,  and  he  alighted  and  was  led  unto 
a  chamber,  and  soon  he  was  unarmed.  And  there  he  had 
right  good  cheer  all  that  night ;  and  on  the  morn  he  heard 
his  mass,  and  in  the  monastery  he  found  a  priest  ready  at  the 
altar.  And  on  the  right  side  he  saw  a  pew  closed  with  iron, 
and  behind  the  altar  he  saw  a  rich  bed  and  a  fair,  as  of  cloth 
of  silk  and  gold. 

Then  Sir  Percivale  espied  that  therein  was  a  man  or  a 
woman,  for  the  visage  was  covered ;  then  he  left  off  his 
looking  and  heard  his  service.  And  when  it  came  to  the 
sacring,  he  that  lay  within  that  parclos  dressed  him  up,  and 
uncovered  his  head ;  and  then  him  beseemed  a  passing  old 
man,  and  he  had  a  crown  of  gold  upon  his  head,  and  his 
shoulders  were  naked  and  uncovered  unto  his  middle.  And 
then  Sir  Percivale  espied  his  body  was  full  of  great  wounds, 
both  on  the  shoulders,  arms,  and  visage.  And  ever  he  held 
up  his  hands  against  Our  Lord's  body,  and  cried :  Fair, 
sweet  Father,  Jesu  Christ,  forget  not  me.  And  so  he  lay 


HOW  SIR   PERCIVALE   FOUND   EVELAKE    343 

down,  but  always  he  was  in  his  prayers  and  orisons ;  and 
him  seemed  to  be  of  the  age  of  three  hundred  winter.  And 
when  the  mass  was  done  the  priest  took  Our  Lord's  body 
and  bare  it  to  the  sick  king.  And  when  he  had  used  it  he 
did  off  his  crown,  and  commanded  the  crown  to  be  set  on 
the  altar. 

Then  Sir  Percivale  asked  one  of  the  brethren  what  he 
was.  Sir,  said  the  good  man,  ye  have  heard  much  of  Joseph 
of  Aramathie,  how  he  was  sent  by  Jesu  Christ  into  this  land 
for  to  teach  and  preach  the  holy  Christian  faith ;  and  there- 
fore he  suffered  many  persecutions  the  which  the  enemies 
of  Christ  did  unto  him,  and  in  the  city  of  Sarras  he  con- 
verted a  king  whose  name  was  Evelake.  And  so  this  king 
came  with  Joseph  into  this  land,  and  ever  he  was  busy  to 
be  thereas  the  Sangreal  was ;  and  on  a  time  he  nighed  it  so 
nigh  that  Our  Lord  was  displeased  with  him,  but  ever  he 
followed  it  more  and  more,  till  God  struck  him  almost  blind. 
Then  this  king  cried  mercy,  and  said :  Fair  Lord,  let  me 
never  die  till  the  good  knight  of  my  blood  of  the  ninth  de- 
gree be  come,  that  I  may  see  him  openly  that  he  shall  enchieve 
the  Sangreal,  that  I  may  kiss  him. 

When  the  king  thus  had  made  his  prayers  he  heard  a 
voice  that  said :  Heard  be  thy  prayers,  for  thou  shalt  not 
die  till  he  have  kissed  thee.  And  when  that  knight  shall 
come  the  clearness  of  your  eyes  shall  come  again,  and  thou 
shalt  see  openly,  and  thy  wounds  shall  be  healed,  and  erst 
shall  they  never  close.  And  this  befell  of  King  Evelake, 
and  this  same  king  hath  lived  this  three  hundred  winters 
this  holy  life,  and  men  say  the  knight  is  in  the  court  that 
shall  heal  him.  Sir,  said  the  good  man,  I  pray  you  tell  me 
what  knight  that  ye  be,  and  if  ye  be  of  King  Arthur's  court 


344  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

and  of  the  Table  Round.  Yea  forsooth,  said  he,  and  my 
name  is  Sir  Percivale  de  Galis.  And  when  the  good  man 
understood  his  name  he  made  great  joy  of  him. 

And  then  Sir  Percivale  departed  and  rode  till  the  hour 
of  noon.  And  he  met  in  a  valley  about  a  twenty  men  of 
arms,  which  bare  in  a  bier  a  knight  deadly  slain.  And  when 
they  saw  Sir  Percivale  they  asked  him  of  whence  he  was. 
And  he  answered  :  Of  the  court  of  King  Arthur.  Then 
they  cried  all  at  once :  Slay  him.  Then  Sir  Percivale 
smote  the  first  to  the  earth  and  his  horse  upon  him.  And 
then  seven  of  the  knights  smote  upon  his  shield  all  at  once, 
and  the  remnant  slew  his  horse  so  that  he  fell  to  the  earth. 
So  had  they  slain  him,  or  taken  him,  had  not  the  good  knight, 
Sir  Galahad,  with  the  red  arms,  come  there  by  adventure 
into  those  parts.  And  when  he  saw  all  those  knights  upon 
one  knight  he  cried  :  Save  me  that  knight's  life.  And  then 
he  dressed  him  toward  the  twenty  men  of  arms  as  fast  as 
his  horse  might  drive,  with  his  spear  in  the  rest,  and  smote 
the  foremost  horse  and  man  to  the  earth.  And  when  his 
spear  was  broken  he  set  his  hand  to  his  sword,  and  smote 
on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  hand  that  it  was  marvel 
to  see,  and  at  every  stroke  he  smote  one  down  or  put  him 
to  a  rebuke,  so  that  they  would  fight  no  more  but  fled  to 
a  thick  forest,  and  Sir  Galahad  followed  them. 

And  when  Sir  Percivale  saw  him  chase  them  so,  he  made 
great  sorrow  that  his  horse  was  away.  And  then  he  wist 
well  it  was  Sir  Galahad.  And  then  he  cried  aloud :  Ah 
fair  knight,  abide  and  suffer  me  to  do  thankings  unto  thee, 
for  much  have  ye  done  for  me.  But  ever  Sir  Galahad  rode 
so  fast  that  at  the  last  he  passed  out  of  his  sight. 

Then  Sir  Percivale  came  to  a  rough  water  and  saw  a  ship 


OF  SIR   PERCIVALE  AND  THE  LADY       345 

come  rowing  in  the  sea,  as  all  the  wind  of  the  world  had 
driven  it.  And  so  it  drove  under  a  rock.  And  when  Sir 
Percivale  saw  this  he  hied  him  thither,  and  found  the  ship 
covered  with  silk  more  blacker  than  any  bear,  and  therein 
was  a  gentlewoman  of  great  beauty,  and  she  was  clothed 
richly  that  none  might  be  better.  And  when  she  saw  Sir 
Percivale  she  said:  Who  brought  you  in  this  wilderness 
where  ye  be  never  like  to  pass  hence  ?  for  ye  shall  die  here 
for  hunger  and  mischief  and  be  eaten  with  wild  beasts ;  and 
ye  be  a  young  man  and  a  goodly  knight,  and  I  shall 
help  you  an  ye  will.  What  are  ye,  said  Sir  Percivale,  that 
proffered  me  thus  great  kindness  ?  I  am,  said  she,  a  gentle- 
woman that  am  disherited,  which  was  sometime  the  richest 
woman  of  the  world.  Damosel,  said  Sir  Percivale,  who  hath 
disherited  you  ?  for  I  have  great  pity  of  you.  Sir,  said  she, 
I  dwelled  with  the  greatest  man  of  the  world,  and  he  made 
me  so  fair  and  so  clear  that  there  was  none  like  me ;  and 
of  that  great  beauty  I  had  a  little  pride  more  than  I  ought 
to  have  had.  Also  I  said  a  word  that  pleased  him  not.  And 
then  he  would  not  suffer  me  to  be  any  longer  in  his  com- 
pany, and  so  drove  me  from  mine  heritage,  and  so  disherited 
me,  and  he  had  never  pity  of  me  nor  of  none  of  my  council, 
nor  of  my  court.  And  sithen,  sir  knight,  it  hath  befallen 
me  so,  through  me  and  mine  I  have  taken  from  him  many  of 
his  men,  and  made  them  to  become  my  men.  For  they  ask 
never  nothing  of  me  but  I  give  it  them,  that  and  much  more. 
Thus  I  and  all  my  servants  war  against  him  night  and  day. 
Therefore  I  know  now  no  good  knight,  nor  no  good  man,  but 
I  get  them  on  my  side  an  I  may.  And  for  that  I  know  that 
thou  art  a  good  knight,  I  beseech  you  to  help  me ;  and  for 
ye  be  a  fellow  of  the  Round  Table,  wherefore  ye  ought  not  to 


346  OF   SIR  GALAHAD 

fail  no  gentlewoman  which  is  disherited,  an  she  besought 
you  of  help. 

Then  Sir  Percivale  promised  her  all  the  help  that  he 
might ;  and  then  she  thanked  him.  And  at  that  time  the 
weather  was  hot.  Then  she  called  unto  her  a  gentlewoman 
and  bade  her  bring  forth  a  pavilion ;  and  so  she  did,  and 
pight  it  upon  the  gravel.  Sir,  said  she,  now  may  ye  rest  you 
in  this  heat  of  the  day.  Then  he  thanked  her,  and  she  put 
off  his  helm  and  his  shield,  and  there  he  slept  a  great  while. 
And  then  he  awoke  and  asked  her  if  she  had  any  meat,  and 
she  said :  Yea,  also  ye  shall  have  enough.  And  so  there 
was  set  enough  upon  the  table,  and  thereon  so  much  that 
he  had  marvel,  for  there  was  all  manner  of  meats  that  he 
could  think  on.  Also  he  drank  there  the  strongest  wine 
that  ever  he  drank,  him  thought,  and  therewith  he  was  a 
little  chafed  more  than  he  ought  to  be ;  with  that  he  beheld 
the  gentlewoman,  and  him  thought  she  was  the  fairest  creature 
that  ever  he  saw.  And  then  Sir  Percivale  proffered  her 
love,  and  prayed  her  that  she  would  be  his.  Then  she  re- 
fused him,  in  a  manner,  when  he  required  her,  for  the  cause 
he  should  be  the  more  ardent  on  her,  and  ever  he  ceased  not 
to  pray  her  of  love.  And  when  she  saw  him  well  enchafed, 
then  she  said :  Sir  Percivale,  wit  you  well  I  shall  not  fulfil 
your  will  but  if  ye  swear  from  henceforth  ye  shall  be  my  true 
servant,  and  to  do  nothing  but  that  I  shall  command  you. 
Will  ye  ensure  me  this  as  ye  be  a  true  knight  ?  Yea,  said 
he,  fair  lady,  by  the  faith  of  my  body.  Well,  said  she,  now 
shall  ye  do  with  me  whatso  it  please  you  ;  and  now  wit  ye  well 
ye  are  the  knight  in  the  world  that  I  have  most  desire  to. 

And  then  Sir  Percivale  by  adventure  and  grace  saw  his 
sword  lie  on  the  ground  naked,  in  whose  pommel  was  a  red 


SIR   PERCIVALE  SAVED   FROM  THE   FIEND    347 

cross  and  the  sign  of  the  crucifix  therein,  and  bethought  him 
on  his  knighthood,  and  then  he  made  a  sign  of  the  cross  in 
his  forehead,  and  there  with  the  pavilion  turned  up-so-down, 
and  then  it  changed  unto  a  smoke,  and  a  black  cloud,  and 
then  he  was  adread  and  cried  aloud :  Fair  sweet  Father, 
Jesu  Christ,  ne  let  me  not  be  shamed,  the  which  was  nigh  lost 
had  not  thy  good  grace  been.  And  then  he  looked  into  a 
ship,  and  saw  her  enter  therein,  which  said  :  Sir  Percivale, 
ye  have  betrayed  me.  And  so  she  went  with  the  wind  roar- 
ing and  yelling,  that  it  seemed  all  the  water  brent  after  her. 
Then  Sir  Percivale  made  great  sorrow,  and  drew  his  sword 
unto  him,  saying :  Sithen  my  flesh  will  be  my  master  I  shall 
punish  it ;  and  therewith  he  rove  himself  through  the  thigh 
that  the  blood  stert  about  him,  and  said :  O  good  Lord,  take 
this  in  recompensation  of  that  I  have  done  against  thee,  my 
Lord.  So  then  he  clothed  him  and  armed  him,  and  called 
himself  a  wretch,  saying :  How  nigh  was  I  lost,  and  to  have 
lost  that  I  should  never  have  gotten  again,  that  was  my  vir- 
ginity, for  that  may  never  be  recovered  after  it  is  once  lost. 
And  then  he  stopped  his  bleeding  wound  with  a  piece  of  his 
shirt. 

Thus  as  he  made  his  moan  he  saw  a  ship  come  from 
Orient  covered  within  and  without  with  white  samite.  Then 
Sir  Percivale  took  his  arms,  and  entered  into  the  ship,  and  so 
departed  from  thence. 

HOW     SIR      BORS      RESCUED     A      DAMOSEL 
RATHER       THAN       HIS       BROTHER       SIR 
LIONEL,     AND      HOW     THEREAFTER      SIR 
LIONEL    WOULD    FIGHT    WITH    SIR    BORS,    BUT 
SIR    BORS   WOULD   NOT.     Now   turn   we   to   Sir    Bors 


348  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

that  when  he  was  departed  from  Camelot  rode  into  a  forest, 
and  there  befell  him  a  marvellous  adventure.  So  he  met  at 
the  departing  of  two  ways  two  knights  that  led  Lionel,  his 
brother,  all  naked,  bounden  upon  a  strong  hackney,  and  his 
hands  bounden  to-fore  his  breast.  And  everych  of  them 
held  in  his  hands  thorns  wherewith  they  went  beating  him 
so  sore  that  the  blood  trailed  down  more  than  in  an  hundred 
places  of  his  body,  so  that  he  was  all  blood  to-fore  and  behind, 
but  he  said  never  a  word ;  as  he  which  was  great  of  heart 
he  suffered  all  that  ever  they  did  to  him,  as  though  he  had 
felt  none  anguish. 

Anon  Sir  Bors  dressed  him  to  rescue  him  that  was  his 
brother ;  and  so  he  looked  upon  the  other  side  of  him,  and 
saw  a  knight  which  brought  a  fair  gentlewoman,  and  would 
have  set  her  in  the  thickest  place  of  the  forest  for  to  have 
been  the  more  surer  out  of  the  way  from  them  that  sought 
him.  And  she,  which  was  nothing  assured,  cried  with  an 
high  voice:  Saint  Mary,  succour  your  maid.  And  anon  she 
espied  where  Sir  Bors  came  riding.  And  when  she  came 
nigh  him  she  deemed  him  a  knight  of  the  Round  Table, 
whereof  she  hoped  to  have  some  comfort ;  and  then  she 
conjured  him :  By  the  faith  that  ye  owe  unto  Him  in  whose 
service  thou  art  entered  in,  and  for  the  faith  ye  owe  unto  the 
high  order  of  knighthood,  and  for  the  noble  King  Arthur's 
sake,  that  I  suppose  made  thee  knight,  that  thou  help  me, 
and  suffer  me  not  to  be  shamed  of  this  knight.  When 
Bors  heard  her  say  thus  he  had  so  much  sorrow  there  he  nist 
not  what  to  do.  For  if  I  let  my  brother  be  in  adventure 
he  must  be  slain,  and  that  would  I  not  for  all  the  earth.  And 
if  I  help  not  the  maid  she  is  shamed  for  ever,  and  also  she 
shall  lose  her  virginity  the  which  she  shall  never  get  again. 


HOW  SIR   BORS   MET   SIR   LIONEL          349 

Then  lift  he  up  his  eyes  and  said  weeping :  Fair  sweet  Lord 
Jesu  Christ,  whose  liege  man  I  am,  keep  Lionel,  my  brother, 
that  these  knights  slay  him  not,  and  for  pity  of  you,  and  for 
Mary's  sake,  I  shall  succour  this  maid. 

Then  dressed  he  him  unto  the  knight  the  which  had  the 
gentlewoman,  and  then  he  cried :  Sir  knight,  let  your  hand 
off  that  maiden,  or  ye  be  but  dead.  And  then  he  set  down 
the  maiden,  and  was  armed  at  all  pieces  save  he  lacked  his 
spear.  Then  he  dressed  his  shield,  and  drew  out  his  sword, 
and  Bors  smote  him  so  hard  that  it  went  through  his  shield 
and  habergeon  on  the  left  shoulder.  And  through  great 
strength  he  beat  him  down  to  the  earth,  and  at  the  pulling 
out  of  Bors'  spear  there  he  swooned.  Then  came  Bors  to 
the  maid  and  said :  How  seemeth  it  you  ?  of  this  knight  ye 
be  delivered  at  this  time.  Now  sir,  said  she,  I  pray  you  lead 
me  thereas  this  knight  had  me.  So  shall  I  do  gladly:  and 
took  the  horse  of  the  wounded  knight,  and  set  the  gentle- 
woman upon  him,  and  so  brought  her  as  she  desired. 

Then  Sir  Bors  rode  after  Lionel,  his  brother,  by  the  trace 
of  their  horses.  Thus  he  rode  seeking  a  great  while,  and 
then  he  turned  to  an  hermitage  that  was  in  the  entry  of  a 
forest. 

And  when  he  was  come  thither  he  found  there  Sir  Lionel, 
his  brother,  which  sat  all  armed  at  the  entry  of  the  chapel 
door  for  to  abide  there  harbour  till  on  the  morn  that  a  tour- 
nament should  be.  And  when  Sir  Bors  saw  him  he  had  great 
joy  of  him,  that  it  were  marvel  to  tell  of  his  joy.  And  then 
he  alighted  off  his  horse,  and  said  :  Fair  sweet  brother,  when 
came  ye  hither  ?  Anon  as  Lionel  saw  him  he  said  :  Ah  Bors, 
ye  may  not  make  none  avaunt,  but  as  for  you  I  might  have 
been  slain ;  when  ye  saw  two  knights  leading  me  away  beat- 


350  OF   SIR  GALAHAD 

ing  me,  ye  left  me  for  to  succour  a  gentlewoman,  and  suffered 
me  in  peril  of  death  ;  for  never  erst  ne  did  no  brother  to  another 
so  great  an  untruth.  And  for  that  misdeed  now  I  ensure 
you  but  death,  for  well  have  ye  deserved  it ;  therefore  keep 
thee  from  henceforward,  and  that  shall  ye  find  as  soon  as  I 
am  armed.  When  Sir  Bors  understood  his  brother's  wrath 
he  kneeled  down  to  the  earth  and  cried  him  mercy,  holding 
up  both  his  hands,  and  prayed  him  to  forgive  him  his  evil  will. 
Nay,  said  Lionel,  that  shall  never  be  an  I  may  have  the 
higher  hand,  that  I  make  mine  avow  to  God,  thou  shalt  have 
death  for  it,  for  it  were  pity  ye  lived  any  longer. 

Right  so  he  went  in  and  took  his  harness,  and  mounted 
upon  his  horse,  and  came  to-fore  him  and  said :  Bors,  keep 
thee  from  me,  for  I  shall  do  to  thee  as  I  would  to  a  felon 
or  a  traitor,  for  ye  be  the  untruest  knight  that  ever  came  out 
of  so  worthy  an  house  as  was  King  Bors  de  Ganis  which  was 
our  father;  therefore  start  upon  thy  horse,  and  so  shall  ye 
be  most  at  your  advantage.  And  but  if  ye  will  I  will  run  upon 
you  thereas  ye  stand  upon  foot,  and  so  the  shame  shall  be 
mine  and  the  harm  yours,  but  of  that  shame  ne  reck  I  nought. 


HOW  WHEN  SIR  BORS  WOULD  NOT 
FIGHT  WITH  HIM  SIR  LIONEL  WOULD 
HAVE  SLAIN  HIM,  AND  HOW  HE  SLEW 
A  HERMIT  AND  SIR  COLGREVANCE 
WHO  WOULD  HAVE  SAVED  SIR  BORS,  AND  HOW 
SIR  BORS  AND  SIR  LIONEL  WERE  PARTED  BY  A 
CLOUD.  When  Sir  Bors  saw  that  he  must  fight  with  his 
brother  or  else  to  die,  he  nist  what  to  do ;  then  his  heart 
counselled  him  not  thereto,  inasmuch  as  Lionel  was  born  or 
he,  wherefore  he  ought  to  bear  him  reverence ;  yet  kneeled 


OF    SIR    LIONEL   AND    SIR    COLGREVANCE    351 

he  down  afore  Lionel's  horse's  feet,  and  said :  Fair  sweet 
brother,  have  mercy  upon  me  and  slay  me  not,  and  have  in 
remembrance  the  great  love  which  ought  to  be  between  us 
twain.  What  Sir  Bors  said  to  Lionel  he  recked  not,  for  the 
fiend  had  brought  him  in  such  a  will  that  he  should  slay  him. 
Then  when  Lionel  saw  he  would  none  other,  and  that  he 
would  not  have  risen  to  give  him  battle,  he  rashed  over  him 
so  that  he  smote  Bors  with  his  horse,  feet  upward,  to  the 
earth,  and  hurt  him  so  sore  that  he  swooned  of  distress,  the 
which  he  felt  in  himself  to  have  died  without  confession. 
So  when  Lionel  saw  this,  he  alighted  off  his  horse  to  have 
smitten  off  his  head.  And  so  he  took  him  by  the  helm,  and 
would  have  rent  it  from  his  head.  Then  came  the  hermit 
running  unto  him,  which  was  a  good  man  and  of  great  age, 
and  well  had  heard  all  the  words  that  were  between  them, 
and  so  fell  down  upon  Sir  Bors. 

Then  he  said  to  Lionel :  Ah  gentle  knight,  have  mercy 
upon  me  and  on  thy  brother,  for  if  thou  slay  him  thou  shalt 
be  dead  of  sin,  and  that  were  sorrowful,  for  he  is  one  of  the 
worthiest  knights  of  the  world,  and  of  the  best  conditions. 
So  God  me  help,  said  Lionel,  sir  priest,  but  if  ye  flee  from 
him  I  shall  slay  you,  and  he  shall  never  the  sooner  be  quit. 
Certes,  said  the  good  man,  I  have  liefer  ye  slay  me  than  him, 
for  my  death  shall  not  be  great  harm,  not  half  so  much  as  of 
his.  Well,  said  Lionel,  I  am  greed ;  and  set  his  hand  to  his 
sword  and  smote  him  so  hard  that  his  head  went  backward. 
Not  for  that  he  restrained  him  of  his  evil  will,  but  took  his 
brother  by  the  helm,  and  unlaced  it  to  have  stricken  off  his 
head,  and  had  slain  him  without  fail,  but  so  it  happed, 
Colgrevance,  a  fellow  of  the  Round  Table,  came  at  that  time 
thither  as  Our  Lord's  will  was.  And  when  he  saw  the  good 


3$2  OF   SIR  GALAHAD 

man  slain  he  marvelled  much  what  it  might  be.  And  then 
he  beheld  Lionel  would  have  slain  his  brother,  and  knew  Sir 
Bors,  which  he  loved  right  well.  Then  stert  he  down  and 
took  Lionel  by  the  shoulders,  and  drew  him  strongly  aback 
from  Bors,  and  said :  Lionel,  will  ye  slay  your  brother,  one 
of  the  worthiest  knights  of  the  world  ?  and  that  should  no  good 
man  suffer.  Why,  said  Lionel,  will  ye  let  me  ?  therefore  if 
ye  entermete  you  in  this  I  shall  slay  you,  and  him  after. 
Why,  said  Colgrevance,  is  this  sooth  that  ye  will  slay  him? 
Slay  him  will  I,  said  he,  whoso  say  the  contrary,  for  he  hath 
done  so  much  against  me  that  he  hath  well  deserved  it.  And 
so  ran  upon  him,  and  would  have  smitten  him  through  the 
head,  and  Sir  Colgrevance  ran  betwixt  them,  and  said :  An 
ye  be  so  hardy  to  do  so  more,  we  two  shall  meddle  together. 
When  Lionel  understood  his  words  he  took  his  shield  afore 
him,  and  asked  him  what  that  he  was.  And  he  told  him, 
Colgrevance,  one  of  his  fellows.  Then  Lionel  defied  him, 
and  gave  him  a  great  stroke  through  the  helm.  Then  he 
drew  his  sword,  for  he  was  a  passing  good  knight,  and  de- 
fended him  right  manfully.  So  long  dured  the  battle  that 
Bors  rose  up  all  anguishly,  and  beheld  how  Colgrevance, 
the  good  knight,  fought  with  his  brother  for  his  quarrel ; 
then  was  he  full  sorry  and  heavy,  and  thought  if  Colgrevance 
slew  him  that  was  his  brother  he  should  never  have  joy ; 
and  if  his  brother  slew  Colgrevance  the  shame  should  ever 
be  his.  Then  would  he  have  risen  to  have  departed  them, 
but  he  had  not  so  much  might  to  stand  on  foot ;  so  he  abode 
him  so  long  till  Colgrevance  had  the  worse,  for  Lionel 
was  of  great  chivalry  and  right  hardy,  for  he  had  pierced 
the  hauberk  and  the  helm,  that  he  abode  but  death,  for  he 
had  lost  much  of  his  blood  that  it  was  marvel  that  he  might 


HOW  LIONEL   SLEW  COLGREVANCE  353 

stand  upright.  Then  beheld  he  Sir  Bors  which  sat  dressing 
him  upward  and  said :  Ah,  Bors,  why  come  ye  not  to  cast 
me  out  of  peril  of  death,  wherein  I  have  put  me  to  succour 
you  which  were  right  now  nigh  the  death  ?  Certes,  said 
Lionel,  that  shall  not  avail  you,  for  none  of  you  shall  bear 
other's  warrant,  but  that  ye  shall  die  both  of  my  hand. 
When  Bors  heard  that,  he  did  so  much,  he  rose  and  put  on 
his  helm.  Then  perceived  he  first  the  hermit-priest  which 
was  slain,  then  made  he  a  marvellous  sorrow  upon  him. 

Then  oft  Colgrevance  cried  upon  Sir  Bors :  Why  will 
ye  let  me  die  here  for  your  sake  ?  if  it  please  you  that  I  die 
for  you  the  death,  it  will  please  me  the  better  for  to  save  a 
worthy  man.  With  that  word  Sir  Lionel  smote  off  the  helm 
from  his  head.  Then  Colgrevance  saw  that  he  might  not 
escape ;  then  he  said :  Fair  sweet  Jesu,  that  I  have  misdone 
have  mercy  upon  my  soul,  for  such  sorrow  that  my  heart 
suffereth  for  goodness,  and  for  alms  deed  that  I  would  have 
done  here,  be  to  me  aligement  of  penance  unto  my  soul's 
health.  At  these  words  Lionel  smote  him  so  sore  that  he 
bare  him  to  the  earth.  So  when  he  had  slain  Colgrevance 
he  ran  upon  his  brother  as  a  fiendly  man,  and  gave  him  such 
a  stroke  that  he  made  him  stoop.  And  he  that  was  full  of 
humility  prayed  him  for  God's  love  to  leave  this  battle  :• 
For  an  it  befell,  fair  brother,  that  I  slew  you  or  ye  me,  we 
should  be  dead  of  that  sin.  Never  God  me  help  but  if  I 
have  on  you  mercy,  an  I  may  have  the  better  hand.  Then 
drew  Bors  his  sword,  all  weeping,  and  said :  Fair  brother, 
God  knoweth  mine  intent.  Ah,  fair  brother,  ye  have  done 
full  evil  this  day  to  slay  such  an  holy  priest  the  which  never 
trespassed.  Also  ye  have  slain  a  gentle  knight,  and  one  of 
our  fellows.  And  well  wot  ye  that  I  am  not  afeard  of  you 


2A 


354  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

greatly,  but  I  dread  the  wrath  of  God,  and  this  is  an  unkindly 
war,  therefore  God  show  miracle  upon  us  both.  Now  God 
have  mercy  upon  me  though  I  defend  my  life  against  my 
brother.  With  that  Bors  lift  up  his  hand  and  would  have 
smitten  his  brother. 

And  then  he  heard  a  voice  that  said :  Flee  Bors,  and 
touch  him  not,  or  else  thou  shalt  slay  him.  Right  so  alighted 
a  cloud  betwixt  them  in  likeness  of  a  fire  and  a  marvellous 
flame,  that  both  their  two  shields  brent.  Then  were  they 
sore  afraid,  that  they  fell  both  to  the  earth,  and  lay  there  a 
great  while  in  a  swoon.  And  when  they  came  to  themself, 
Bors  saw  that  his  brother  had  no  harm ;  then  he  held  up 
both  his  hands,  for  he  dread  God  had  taken  vengeance  upon 
him.  With  that  he  heard  a  voice  say :  Bors,  go  hence,  and 
bear  thy  brother  no  longer  fellowship,  but  take  thy  way 
anon  right  to  the  sea,  for  Sir  Percivale  abideth  thee  there. 
Then  he  said  to  his  brother:  Fair  sweet  brother,  forgive 
me  for  God's  love  all  that  I  have  trespassed  unto  you.  Then 
he  answered  :  God  forgive  it  thee  and  I  do  gladly. 

So  Sir  Bors  departed  from  him  and  rode  the  next  way 
to  the  sea.  And  at  the  last  by  fortune  he  came  to  an  abbey 
which  was  nigh  the  sea.  That  night  Bors  rested  him  there ; 
and  in  his  sleep  there  came  a  voice  to  him  and  bade  him  go 
to  the  sea.  Then  he  stert  up  and  made  a  sign  of  the  cross 
in  the  midst  of  his  forehead,  and  took  his  harness,  and  made 
ready  his  horse,  and  mounted  upon  him ;  and  at  a  broken 
wall  he  rode  out,  and  rode  so  long  till  that  he  came  to  the 
sea.  And  on  the  strand  he  found  a  ship  covered  all  with 
white  samite,  and  he  alighted,  and  betook  him  to  Jesu  Christ. 
And  as  soon  as  he  entered  into  the  ship,  the  ship  departed 
into  the  sea,  and  went  so  fast  that  him  seemed  the  ship  went 


OF  SIR  GALAHAD  AT  A  TOURNAMENT     355 

flying,  but  it  was  soon  dark  so  that  he  might  know  no  man, 
and  so  he  slept  till  it  was  day.  Then  he  awaked,  and  saw 
in  midst  of  the  ship  a  knight  lie  all  armed  save  his  helm. 
Then  knew  he  that  it  was  Sir  Percivale  of  Wales,  and  then 
he  made  of  him  right  great  joy ;  and  either  told  other  of  their 
temptations,  as  ye  have  heard  to-forehand.  So  went  they 
downward  in  the  sea,  one  while  backward,  another  while 
forward,  and  everych  comforted  other,  and  oft  were  in  their 
prayers.  Then  said  Sir  Percivale :  We  lack  nothing  but 
Galahad,  the  good  knight. 

HOW  SIR  GALAHAD  FOUGHT  AT  A  TOUR- 
NAMENT, AND  OF  THE  STROKE  THAT  HE 
GAVE  SIR  GAWAINE,  AND  HOW  HE  RODE 
WITH  A  DAMOSEL  AND  CAME  TO  A  SHIP 
WHEREIN  WERE  SIR  BORS  AND  SIR  PERCIVALE. 
Now  saith  this  story,  when  Galahad  had  rescued  Percivale 
from  the  twenty  knights,  he  went  then  into  a  waste  forest 
wherein  he  rode  many  journeys ;  and  he  found  many 
adventures  the  which  he  brought  to  an  end,  whereof  the 
story  maketh  here  no  mention.  Then  he  took  his  way 
to  the  sea  on  a  day,  and  it  befell  as  he  passed  by  a  castle 
where  was  a  wonder  tournament,  but  they  without  had  done 
so  much  that  they  within  were  put  to  the  worse,  yet  were 
they  within  good  knights  enough.  When  Galahad  saw 
that  those  within  were  at  so  great  a  mischief  that  men  slew 
them  at  the  entry  of  the  castle,  then  he  thought  to  help 
them,  and  put  a  spear  forth  and  smote  the  first  that  he  fell 
to  the  earth,  and  the  spear  brake  to  pieces.  Then  he  drew 
his  sword  and  smote  thereas  they  were  thickest,  and  so  he 
did  wonderful  deeds  of  arms  that  all  they  marvelled.  Then 


356  OF   SIR  GALAHAD 

it  happed  that  Gawaine  and  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  were  with 
the  knights  without.  But  when  they  espied  the  white  shield 
with  the  red  cross  the  one  said  to  the  other :  Yonder  is  the 
good  knight,  Sir  Galahad,  the  haut  prince :  now  he  should 
be  a  great  fool  which  should  meet  with  him  to  fight.  So 
by  adventure  he  came  by  Sir  Gawaine,  and  he  smote  him 
so  hard  that  he  clave  his  helm  and  the  coif  of  iron  unto  his 
head,  so  that  Gawaine  fell  to  the  earth ;  but  the  stroke  was 
so  great  that  it  slanted  down  to  the  earth  and  carved  the 
horse's  shoulder  in  two. 

When  Ector  saw  Gawaine  down  he  drew  him  aside,  and 
thought  it  no  wisdom  for  to  abide  Galahad,  and  also  for 
natural  love,  that  he  was  his  uncle.  Thus  through  his  great 
hardiness  he  beat  aback  all  the  knights  without.  And  then 
they  within  came  out  and  chased  them  all  about.  But 
when  Galahad  saw  there  would  none  turn  again  he  stole  away 
privily,  so  that  none  wist  where  he  was  become.  Now  by 
my  head,  said  Gawaine  to  Ector,  now  are  the  wonders  true 
that  were  said  of  Launcelot  du  Lake,  that  the  sword  which 
stuck  in  the  stone  should  give  me  such  a  buffet  that  I  would 
not  have  it  for  the  best  castle  in  this  world  ;  and  soothly  now 
it  is  proved  true,  for  never  ere  had  I  such  a  stroke  of  man's 
hand.  Sir,  said  Ector,  meseemeth  your  quest  is  done.  And 
yours  is  not  done,  said  Gawaine,  but  mine  is  done,  I  shall  seek 
no  further.  Then  Gawaine  was  borne  into  a  castle  and  un- 
armed him,  and  laid  him  in  a  rich  bed,  and  a  leech  found  that 
he  might  live,  and  to  be  whole  within  a  month.  Thus  Ga- 
waine and  Ector  abode  together,  for  Sir  Ector  would  not 
away  till  Gawaine  were  whole. 

And  the  good  knight,  Galahad,  rode  so  long  till  he  came 
that  night  to  the  Castle  of  Carboneck;  and  it  befell  him 


HOW  GALAHAD   RODE  WITH  A  DAMOSEL    357 

thus  that  he  was  benighted  in  an  hermitage.  So  the  good 
man  was  fain  when  he  saw  he  was  a  knight-errant.  Then 
when  they  were  at  rest  there  came  a  gentlewoman  knocking 
at  the  door,  and  called  Galahad,  and  so  the  good  man  came 
to  the  door  to  wit  what  she  would.  Then  she  called  the 
hermit :  Sir  Ulfin,  I  am  a  gentlewoman  that  would  speak 
with  the  knight  which  is  with  you.  Then  the  good  man 
awaked  Galahad,  and  bade  him :  Arise,  and  speak  with  a 
gentlewoman  that  seemeth  hath  great  need  of  you.  Then 
Galahad  went  to  her  and  asked  her  what  she  would.  Gala- 
had, said  she,  I  will  that  ye  arm  you,  and  mount  upon  your 
horse  and  follow  me,  for  I  shall  show  you  within  these  three 
days  the  highest  adventure  that  ever  any  knight  saw.  Anon 
Galahad  armed  him,  and  took  his  horse,  and  commended 
him  to  God,  and  bade  the  gentlewoman  go,  and  he  would 
follow  thereas  she  liked. 

So  she  rode  as  fast  as  her  palfrey  might  bear  her,  till  that 
she  came  to  the  sea ;  and  there  they  found  the  ship  where 
Bors  and  Percivale  were  in,  the  which  cried  on  the  ship's 
board :  Sir  Galahad,  ye  be  welcome,  we  have  abiden  you 
long.  And  when  he  heard  them  he  asked  them  what  they 
were.  Sir,  said  she,  leave  your  horse  here,  and  I  shall  leave 
mine ;  and  took  their  saddles  and  their  bridles  with  them, 
and  made  a  cross  on  them,  and  so  entered  into  the  ship. 
And  the  two  knights  received  them  both  with  great  joy, 
and  everych  knew  other ;  and  so  the  wind  arose,  and  drove 
them  through  the  sea  in  a  marvellous  pace.  And  within  a 
while  it  dawned. 

By  then  the  ship  went  from  the  land  of  Logris,  and  by 
adventure  it  arrived  up  betwixt  two  rocks  passing  great 
and  marvellous ;  but  there  they  might  not  land,  for  there 


358  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

was  a  swallow  of  the  sea,  save  there  was  another  ship,  and 
upon  it  they  might  go  without  danger.  Go  we  thither, 
said  the  gentlewoman,  and  there  shall  we  see  adventures, 
for  so  is  Our  Lord's  will.  And  when  they  came  thither 
they  found  the  ship  rich  enough,  but  they  found  neither 
man  nor  woman  therein.  But  they  found  in  the  end  of 
the  ship  two  fair  letters  written,  which  said  a  dreadful  word 
and  a  marvellous :  Thou  man,  which  shall  enter  into  this 
ship,  beware  thou  be  in  steadfast  belief,  for  I  am  Faith,  and 
therefore  beware  how  thou  enterest,  for  an  thou  fail  I  shall 
not  help  thee.  Then  said  the  gentlewoman :  Percivale, 
wot  ye  what  I  am  ?  Certes,  said  he,  nay,  to  my  witting. 
Wit  ye  well,  said  she,  that  I  am  thy  sister,  which  am  daughter 
of  King  Pellinore,  and  therefore  wit  ye  well  ye  are  the  man 
in  the  world  that  I  most  love ;  and  if  ye  be  not  in  perfect 
belief  of  Jesu  Christ  enter  not  in  no  manner  of  wise,  for  then 
should  ye  perish  the  ship,  for  he  is  so  perfect  he  will  suffer 
no  sinner  in  him.  When  Percivale  understood  that  she 
was  his  very  sister  he  was  inwardly  glad,  and  said :  Fair 
sister,  I  shall  enter  therein,  for  if  I  be  a  miscreature,  or  an  un- 
true knight,  there  shall  I  perish. 

HOW  SIR  GALAHAD,  SIR  BORS,  AND 
SIR  PERCIVALE  ENTERED  INTO  THE 
SHIP,  AND  OF  A  FAIR  BED  THEREIN, 
AND  OF  A  SWORD,  AND  OF  HOW 
KING  PELLES  HAD  BEEN  MAIMED 
FOR  DRAWING  IT.  In  the  meanwhile 
Galahad  blessed  him,  and  entered  therein ; 
and  then  next  the  gentlewoman,  and  then 
Sir  Bors  and  Sir  Percivale.  And  when  they  were  in,  it  was  so 


HOW    SIR    GALAHAD    GRIPPED    THE    SWORD    359 

marvellous  fair  and  rich  that  they  marvelled ;  and  in  midst 
of  the  ship  was  a  fair  bed,  and  Galahad  went  thereto,  and 
found  there  a  crown  of  silk.  And  at  the  feet  was  a  sword, 
rich  and  fair,  and  it  was  drawn  out  of  the  sheath  half  a  foot 
and  more  ;  and  the  sword  was  of  divers  fashions,  and  the  pom- 
mel was  of  stone,  and  there  was  in  him  all  manner  of  colours 
that  any  man  might  find,  and  everych  of  the  colours  had 
divers  virtues. 

Then  Galahad  beheld  the  sword  and  saw  letters  like 
blood  that  said :  Let  see  who  shall  assay  to  draw  me  out  of 
my  sheath,  but  if  he  be  more  hardier  than  any  other ;  and 
who  that  draweth  me,  wit  ye  well  that  he  shall  never  fail 
of  shame  of  his  body,  or  to  be  wounded  to  the  death.  By 
my  faith,  said  Galahad,  I  would  draw  this  sword  out  of  the 
sheath,  but  the  offending  is  so  great  that  I  shall  not  set  my 
hand  thereto.  Now  sirs,  said  the  gentlewoman,  wit  ye 
well  that  the  drawing  of  this  sword  is  warned  to  all  men  save 
all  only  to  you.  In  the  name  of  God,  said  Galahad,  ye  are 
right  wise  of  these  works. 

Sir,  said  she,  there  was  a  king  that  hight  Pelles,  the 
maimed  king.  And  while  he  might  ride  he  supported  much 
Christendom  and  Holy  Church.  So  upon  a  day  he  hunted 
in  a  wood  of  his  which  lasted  unto  the  sea ;  and  at  the  last 
he  lost  his  hounds  and  his  knights  save  only  one :  and  there 
he  and  his  knight  went  till  that  they  came  toward  Ireland, 
and  there  he  found  the  ship.  And  when  he  saw  the  letters 
and  understood  them,  yet  he  entered,  for  he  was  right  per- 
fect of  his  life,  but  his  knight  had  none  hardiness  to  enter ; 
and  there  found  he  this  sword,  and  drew  it  out  as  much  as 
ye  may  see.  So  therewith  entered  a  spear  wherewith  he 
was  smitten  him  through  both  the  thighs,  and  never  sith 


36o  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

might  he  be  healed,  nor  nought .  shall  to-fore  we  come  to 
him.  Thus,  said  she,  was  not  King  Pelles,  your  grandsire, 
maimed  for  his  hardiness  ?  In  the  name  of  God,  damosel, 
said  Galahad. 

HOW  SIR  GALAHAD  GRIPPED  THE  SWORD, 
AND  OF  THE  CUSTOM  OF  A  CASTLE,  AND 
HOW  SIR  PERCIVALE'S  SISTER  BLED  A 
DISH  FULL  OF  BLOOD  FOR  TO  HEAL  A  LADY, 
WHEREFORE  SHE  DIED;  AND  HOW  THAT  HER 
BODY  WAS  PUT  IN  A  SHIP.  Now  let  me  begin,  said 
Galahad,  to  grip  this  sword  for  to  give  you  courage ;  but 
wit  ye  well  it  longeth  no  more  to  me  than  it  doth  to  you. 
And  then  he  gripped  about  it  with  his  fingers  a  great  deal ; 
and  then  she  girt  him  about  the  middle  with  the  sword. 
Now  reck  I  not  though  I  die,  for  now  I  hold  me  one  of  the 
blessed  maidens  of  the  world,  which  hath  made  the  worthiest 
knight  of  the  world.  Damosel,  said  Galahad,  ye  have  done 
so  much  that  I  shall  be  your  knight  all  the  days  of  my  life. 
Then  they  went  from  that  ship,  and  went  to  the  other. 
And  anon  the  wind  drove  them  into  the  sea  a  great  pace,  but 
they  had  no  victuals  :  but  it  befell  that  they  came  on  the  morn 
to  a  castle,  and  passed  by.  So  there  came  a  knight  armed 
after  them  and  said :  Lords,  hark  what  I  shall  say  to  you. 
This  gentlewoman  that  ye  lead  with  you  is  a  maid  ?  Sir,  said 
she,  a  maid  I  am.  Then  he  took  her  by  the  bridle  and  said : 
By  the  Holy  Cross,  ye  shall  not  escape  me  to-fore  ye  have 
yolden  the  custom  of  this  castle.  Let  her  go,  said  Percivale, 
ye  be  not  wise,  for  a  maid  in  what  place  she  cometh  is  free. 
So  in  the  meanwhile  there  came  out  a  ten  or  twelve  knights 
armed,  out  of  the  castle,  and  with  them  came  gentlewomen 


THE   STRANGE  CUSTOM  OF  A  CASTLE      361 

which  held  a  dish  of  silver.  And  then  they  said :  This 
gentlewoman  must  yield  us  the  custom  of  this  castle.  Sir, 
said  a  knight,  what  maid  passeth  hereby  shall  give  this  dish 
full  of  blood  of  her  right  arm.  Blame  have  ye,  said  Galahad, 
that  brought  up  such  customs,  and  so  God  me  save,  I  ensure 
you  of  this  gentlewoman  ye  shall  fail  while  that  I  live.  So 
God  me  help,  said  Percivale,  I  had  liefer  be  slain.  And  I 
also,  said  Sir  Bors.  By  my  troth,  said  the  knight,  then  shall 
ye  die,  for  ye  may  not  endure  against  us  though  ye  were 
the  best  knights  of  the  world. 

Then  let  they  run  each  to  other,  and  the  three  fellows 
beat  the  ten  knights,  and  then  set  their  hands  to  their  swords 
and  beat  them  down  and  slew  them.  Then  there  came 
out  of  the  castle  a  three  score  knights  armed.  Fair  lords, 
said  the  three  fellows,  have  mercy  on  yourself  and  have  not 
ado  with  us.  Nay,  fair  lords,  said  the  knights  of  the  castle, 
we  counsel  you  to  withdraw  you,  for  ye  be  the  best 
knights  of  the  world,  and  therefore  "do  no  more,  for  ye  have 
done  enough.  We  will  let  you  go  with  this  harm,  but  we 
must  needs  have  the  custom.  Certes,  said  Galahad,  for 
nought  speak  ye.  Well,  said  they,  will  ye  die  ?  We  be 
not  yet  come  thereto,  said  Galahad.  Then  began  they  to 
meddle  together,  and  Galahad,  with  the  strange  girdles, 
drew  his  sword,  and  smote  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 
left  hand,  and  slew  what  that  ever  abode  him,  and  did  such 
marvels  that  there  was  none  that  saw  him  but  weened  he 
had  been  none  earthly  man,  but  a  monster.  And  his  two 
fellows  halp  him  passing  well,  and  so  they  held  the  journey 
everych  in  like  hard  till  it  was  night :  then  must  they  needs 
depart. 

So  came  in  a  good  knight,  and  said  to  the  three  fellows : 


362  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

If  ye  will  come  in  to-night  and  take  such  harbour  as  here 
is  ye  shall  be  right  welcome,  and  we  shall  ensure  you  by 
the  faith  of  our  bodies,  and  as  we  be  true  knights,  to  leave 
you  in  such  estate  to-morrow  as  we  find  you,  without  any 
falsehood.  And  as  soon  as  ye  know  of  the  custom  we  dare 
say  ye  will  accord  therefore.  For  God's  love,  said  the  gen- 
tlewoman, go  thither  and  spare  not  for  me.  Go  we,  said 
Galahad ;  and  so  they  entered  into  the  chapel.  And  when 
they  were  alighted  they  made  great  joy  of  them.  So  within 
a  while  the  three  knights  asked  the  custom  of  the  castle  and 
wherefore  it  was.  What  it  is,  said  they,  we  will  say  you  sooth. 

There  is  in  this  castle  a  gentlewoman  which  we  and  this 
castle  is  hers,  and  many  other.  So  it  befell  many  years 
agone  there  fell  upon  her  a  malady;  and  when  she  had 
lain  a  great  while  she  fell  unto  a  measle,  and  of  no  leech  she 
could  have  no  remedy.  But  at  the  last  an  old  man  said 
an  she  might  have  a  dish  full  of  blood  of  a  maid  and  a  clean 
virgin  in  will  and  in  work,  and  a  king's  daughter,  that  blood 
should  be  her  health,  and  for  to  anoint  her  withal ;  and  for 
this  thing  was  this  custom  made.  Now,  said  Percivale's 
sister,  fair  knights,  I  see  well  that  this  gentlewoman  is  but 
dead.  Certes,  said  Galahad,  an  ye  bleed  so  much  ye  may 
die.  Truly,  said  she,  an  I  die  for  to  heal  her  I  shall  get  me 
great  worship  and  soul's  health,  and  worship  to  my  lineage, 
and  better  is  one  harm  than  twain.  And  therefore  there 
shall  be  no  more  battle,  but  to-morn  I  shall  yield  you  your 
custom  of  this  castle.  And  then  there  was  great  joy  more 
than  there  was  to-fore,  for  else  had  there  been  mortal  war 
upon  the  morn ;  notwithstanding  she  would  none  other, 
whether  they  wold  or  nold. 

That  night  were  the  three  fellows  eased  with  the  best; 


HOW  SIR   PERCIVALE'S   SISTER   DIED       363 

and  on  the  morn  they  heard  mass,  and  Sir  Percivale's  sister 
bade  bring  forth  the  sick  lady.  So  she  was,  the  which  was 
evil  at  ease.  Then  said  she :  Who  shall  let  me  blood  ? 
So  one  came  forth  and  let  her  blood,  and  she  bled  so  much 
that  the  dish  was  full.  Then  she  lift  up  her  hand  and  blessed 
her ;  and  then  she  said  to  the  lady :  Madam,  I  am  come 
to  the  death  for  to  make  you  whole,  for  God's  love  pray 
for  me.  With  that  she  fell  in  a  swoon.  Then  Galahad  and 
his  two  fellows  start  up  to  her,  and  lift  her  up  and  staunched 
her,  but  she  had  bled  so  much  that  she  might  not  live.  Then 
she  said  when  she  was  awaked :  Fair  brother  Percivale,  I 
die  for  the  healing  of  this  lady,  so  I  require  you  that  ye  bury 
me  not  in  this  country,  but  as  soon  as  I  am  dead  put  me  in 
a  boat  at  the  next  haven,  and  let  me  go  as  adventure  will 
lead  me  ;  and  as  soon  as  ye  three  come  to  the  City  of  Sarras, 
there  to  enchieve  the  Holy  Grail,  ye  shall  find  me  under  a 
tower  arrived,  and  there  bury  me  in  the  spiritual  place ; 
for  I  say  you  so  much,  there  Galahad  shall  be  buried,  and 
ye  also,  in  the  same  place. 

Then  Percivale  understood  these  words,  and  granted 
it  her,  weeping.  And  then  said  a  voice :  Lords  and  fellows, 
to-morrow  at  the  hour  of  prime  ye  three  shall  depart  everych 
from  other,  till  the  adventure  bring  you  to  the  Maimed 
King.  Then  asked  she  her  Saviour ;  and  as  soon  as  she  had 
received  it  the  soul  departed  from  the  body.  So  the  same 
day  was  the  lady  healed,  when  she  was  anointed  withal. 
Then  Sir  Percivale  made  a  letter  of  all  that  she  had  holpen 
them  as  in  strange  adventures,  and  put  it  in  her  right  hand, 
and  so  laid  her  in  a  barge,  and  covered  it  with  black  silk; 
and  so  the  wind  arose,  and  drove  the  barge  from  the  land, 
and  all  knights  beheld  it  till  it  was  out  of  their  sight.  Then 


364  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

they  drew  all  to  the  castle,  and  so  forthwith  there  fell  a  sudden 
tempest  and  a  thunder,  lightning,  and  rain,  as  all  the  earth 
would  have  broken.  So  half  the  castle  turned  up-so-down. 
So  it  passed  evensong  or  the  tempest  was  ceased. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  ENTERED  INTO  THE 
SHIP  WHERE  SIR  PERCIVALE'S  SISTER 
LAY  DEAD,  AND  HOW  HE  CAME  TO  A 
CASTLE  AND  WAS  BEFORE  THE  DOOR  OF  A 
CHAMBER  WHEREIN  WAS  THE  SANGREAL.  Now 
saith  the  history,  that  when  Launcelot  was  come  to  the 
water  of  Mortoise,  as  it  is  rehearsed  before,  he  was  in  great 
peril,  and  so  he  laid  him  down  and  slept,  and  took  the  ad- 
venture that  God  would  send  him.  So  when  he  was  asleep 
there  came  a  vision  unto  him  and  said :  Launcelot,  arise 
up  and  take  thine  armour,  and  enter  into  the  first  ship 
that  thou  shalt  find.  And  when  he  heard  these  words  he 
start  up  and  saw  great  clearness  about  him.  And  then  he 
lifted  up  his  hand  and  blessed  him,  and  so  took  his  arms 
and  made  him  ready;  and  so  by  adventure  he  came  by  a 
strand,  and  found  a  ship  the  which  was  without  sail  or  oar. 
And  as  soon  as  he  was  within  the  ship  there  he  felt  the  most 
sweetness  that  ever  he  felt,  and  he  was  fulfilled  with  all 
thing  that  he  thought  on  or  desired.  Then  he  said :  Fair 
sweet  Father,  Jesu  Christ,  I  wot  not  in  what  joy  I  am,  for 
this  joy  passeth  all  earthly  joys  that  ever  I  was  in.  And  so 
in  this  joy  he  laid  him  down  to  the  ship's  board,  and  slept 
till  day.  And  when  he  awoke  he  found  there  a  fair  bed, 
and  therein  lying  a  gentlewoman  dead,  the  which  was  Sir 
Percivale's  sister.  And  as  Launcelot  devised  her,  he  espied 
in  her  right  hand  a  writ,  the  which  he  read,  the  which  told 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT  AND  THE   SANGREAL    365 

him  all  the  adventures  that  ye  have  heard  to-fore,  and  of 
what  lineage  she  was  come. 

Then  the  wind  arose,  and  drove  Launcelot  more  than  a 
month  throughout  the  sea,  where  he  slept  but  little,  but 
prayed  to  God  that  he  might  see  some  tidings  of  the  Sangreal. 
So  it  befell  on  a  night,  at  midnight,  he  arrived  afore  a  castle, 
on  the  back  side,  which  was  rich  and  fair,  and  there  was  a 
postern  opened  toward  the  sea,  and  was  open  without  any 
keeping,  save  two  lions  kept  the  entry ;  and  the  moon  shone 
clear.  Anon  Sir  Launcelot  heard  a  voice  that  said :  Launce- 
lot, go  out  of  this  ship  and  enter  into  the  castle,  where  thou 
shalt  see  a  great  part  of  thy  desire.  Then  he  ran  to  his 
arms,  and  so  armed  him,  and  so  went  to  the  gate  and  saw 
the  lions.  Then  set  he  hand  to  his  sword  and  drew  it.  Then 
there  came  a  dwarf  suddenly,  and  smote  him  on  the  arm 
so  sore  that  the  sword  fell  out  of  his  hand.  Then  heard  he 
a  voice  say :  O  man  of  evil  faith  and  poor  belief,  wherefore 
trowest  thou  more  on  thy  harness  than  in  thy  Maker,  for  He 
might  more  avail  thee  than  thine  armour,  in  whose  service 
thou  art  set.  Then  said  Launcelot :  Fair  Father  Jesu  Christ, 
I  thank  thee  of  Thy  great  mercy  that  Thou  reprovest  me  of 
my  misdeed  ;  now  see  I  well  that  ye  hold  me  for  your  servant. 
Then  took  he  again  his  sword  and  put  it  up  in  his  sheath,  and 
made  a  cross  in  his  forehead,  and  came  to  the  lions,  and  they 
made  semblaunt  to  do  him  harm.  Notwithstanding  he  passed 
by  them  without  hurt,  and  entered  into  the  castle  to  the  chief 
fortress,  and  there  were  they  all  at  rest.  Then  Launcelot  en- 
tered in  so  armed,  for  he  found  no  gate  nor  door  but  it  was  open. 
And  at  the  last  he  found  a  chamber  whereof  the  door  was  shut, 
and  he  set  his  hand  thereto  to  have  opened  it,  but  he  might  not. 

Then  he  enforced  him  mickle  to  undo  the  door.     Then 


366  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

he  listened  and  heard  a  voice  which  sang  so  sweetly  that  it 
seemed  none  earthly  thing;  and  him  thought  the  voice 
said :  Joy  and  honour  be  to  the  Father  of  Heaven.  Then 
Launcelot  kneeled  down  to-fore  the  chamber,  for  well  wist 
he  that  there  was  the  Sangreal  within  that  chamber.  Then 
said  he  :  Fair  sweet  Father,  Jesu  Christ,  if  ever  I  did  thing  that 
pleased  Thee,  Lord  for  Thy  pity  ne  have  me  not  in  despite  for 
my  sins  done  aforetime,  and  that  Thou  show  me  something  of 
that  I  seek.  And  with  that  he  saw  the  chamber  door  open, 
and  there  came  out  a  great  clearness,  that  the  house  was  as 
bright  as  all  the  torches  of  the  world  had  been  there. 

So  came  he  to  the  chamber  door,  and  would  have  entered. 
And  anon  a  voice  said  to  him :  Flee,  Launcelot,  and  enter 
not,  for  thou  oughtest  not  to  do  it ;  and  if  thou  enter  thou 
shalt  for-think  it.  Then  he  withdrew  him  aback  right  heavy. 
Then  looked  he  up  in  the  midst  of  the  chamber,  and  saw  a 
table  of  silver,  and  the  Holy  Vessel,  covered  with  red  samite, 
and  many  angels  about  it,  whereof  one  held  a  candle  of  wax 
burning,  and  the  other  held  a  cross,  and  the  ornaments  of 
an  altar.  And  before  the  Holy  Vessel  he  saw  a  good  man 
clothed  as  a  priest.  And  it  seemed  that  he  was  at  the  sacring 
of  the  mass.  And  it  seemed  to  Launcelot  that  above  the 
priest's  hands  were  three  men,  whereof  the  two  put  the 
youngest  by  likeness  between  the  priest's  hands ;  and  so  he 
lifted  it  up  right  high,  and  it  seemed  to  show  so  to  the  people. 
And  then  Launcelot  marvelled  not  a  little,  for  him  thought 
the  priest  was  so  greatly  charged  of  the  figure  that  him  seemed 
that  he  should  fall  to  the  earth.  And  when  he  saw  none 
about  him  that  would  help  him,  then  came  he  to  the  door  a 
great  pace,  and  said  :  Fair  Father  Jesu  Christ,  ne  take  it  for  no 
sin  though  I  help  the  good  man  which  hath  great  need  of  help. 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  LAY  IN  A  TRANCE    367 

Right  so  entered  he  into  the  chamber,  and  came  toward 
the  table  of  silver ;  and  when  he  came  nigh  he  felt  a  breath, 
that  him  thought  it  was  intermeddled  with  fire,  which  smote 
him  so  sore  in  the  visage  that  him  thought  it  brent  his  visage  ; 
and  therewith  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  had  no  power  to  arise, 
as  he  that  was  so  araged,  that  had  lost  the  power  of  his  body, 
and  his  hearing,  and  his  seeing.  Then  felt  he  many  hands 
about  him,  which  took  him  up  and  bare  him  out  of  the  cham- 
ber door,  without  any  amending  of  his  swoon,  and  left  him 
there,  seeming  dead  to  all  people. 

So  upon  the  morrow  when  it  was  fair  day  they  within 
were  arisen,  and  found  Launcelot  lying  afore  the  chamber 
door.  All  they  marvelled  how  that  he  came  in,  and  so  they 
looked  upon  him,  and  felt  his  pulse  to  wit  whether  there  were 
any  life  in  him ;  and  so  they  found  life  in  him,  but  he  might 
not  stand  nor  stir  no  member  that  he  had.  And  so  they 
took  him  by  every  part  of  the  body,  and  bare  him  into  a 
chamber>  and  laid  him  in  a  rich  bed,  far  from  all  folk ;  and 
so  he  lay  four  days.  Then  the  one  said  he  was  alive,  and 
the  other  said,  Nay.  In  the  name  of  God,  said  an  old  man, 
for  I  do  you  verily  to  wit  he  is  not  dead,  but  he  is  so  full  of 
life  as  the  mightiest  of  you  all ;  and  therefore  I  counsel  you 
that  he  be  well  kept  till  God  send  him  life  again. 

HOW  AFTER  THAT  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
HAD  LAIN  FOUR-AND-TWENTY  DAYS 
AND  NIGHTS  AS  A  DEAD  MAN,  IT  WAS 
TOLD  HIM  THAT  HE  HAD  ACHIEVED 
ALL  HE  MIGHT  OF  THE  QUEST  OF 
THE  SANGREAL,  AND  HE  RETURNED 
TO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT.  In  such  manner  they 


368  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

kept  Launcelot  four-and-twenty  days  and  all  so  many  nights, 
that  ever  he  lay  still  as  a  dead  man  ;  and  at  the  twenty-fifth 
day  befell  him  after  midday  that  he  opened  his  eyes.  And 
when  he  saw  folk  he  made  great  sorrow,  and  said :  Why 
have  ye  awaked  me,  for  I  was  more  at  ease  than  I  am  now. 
O  Jesu  Christ,  who  might  be  so  blessed  that  might  see  openly 
thy  great  marvels  of  secretness  there  where  no  sinner  may 
be !  What  have  ye  seen  ?  said  they  about  him.  I  have 
seen,  said  he,  so  great  marvels  that  no  tongue  may  tell,  and 
more  than  any  heart  can  think. 

Then  they  told  him  how  he  had  lain  there  four-and- 
twenty  days  and  nights.  Then  him  thought  it  was  punish- 
ment for  the  four-and-twenty  years  that  he  had  been  a  sin- 
ner, wherefore  Our  Lord  put  him  in  penance  four-and-twenty 
days  and  nights.  Then  looked  Sir  Launcelot  afore  him, 
and  saw  the  hair  which  he  had  borne  nigh  a  year,  for  that 
he  for-thought  him  right  much  that  he  had  broken  his  prom- 
ise unto  the  hermit,  which  he  had  avowed  to  do.  Then 
they  asked  how  it  stood  with  him.  Forsooth,  said  he,  I  am 
whole  of  body,  thanked  be  Our  Lord ;  therefore,  sirs,  for 
God's  love  tell  me  where  I  am.  Then  said  they  all  that  he 
was  in  the  castle  of  Carbonek. 

Therewith  came  a  gentlewoman  and  brought  him  a  shirt 
of  small  linen  cloth,  but  he  changed  not  there,  but  took 
the  hair  to  him  again.  Sir,  said  they,  the  quest  of  the  San- 
greal  is  achieved  now  right  in  you,  that  never  shall  ye  see 
of  the  Sangreal  no  more  than  ye  have  seen.  Now  I  thank 
God,  said  Launcelot,  of  His  great  mercy  of  that  I  have  seen, 
for  it  sufficeth  me ;  for  as  I  suppose  no  man  in  this  world 
hath  lived  better  than  I  have  done  to  enchieve  that  I  have 
done.  And  therewith  he  took  the  hair  and  clothed  him  in 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  CAME  TO  CAMELOT     369 

it,  and  above  that  he  put  a  linen  shirt,  and  after  a  robe  of 
scarlet,  fresh  and  new.  And  when  he  was  so  arrayed  they 
marvelled  all,  for  they  knew  him  that  he  was  Launcelot,  the 
good  knight.  And  then  they  said  all :  O  my  lord  Sir  Launce- 
lot, be  that  ye  ?  And  he  said  :  Truly  I  am  he. 

Then  came  word  to  King  Pelles  that  the  knight  that  had 
lain  so  long  dead  was  Sir  Launcelot.  Then  was  the  king 
right  glad,  and  went  to  see  him.  And  when  Launcelot  saw 
him  come  he  dressed  him  against  him,  and  there  made  the 
king  great  joy  of  him.  And  there  the  king  told  him  tidings 
that  his  fair  daughter  was  dead.  Then  Launcelot  was  right 
heavy  of  it,  and  said  :  Sir,  me  forthinketh  the  death  of  your 
daughter,  for  she  was  a  full  fair  lady,  fresh  and  young.  And 
well  I  wot  she  bare  the  best  knight  that  is  now  on  the  earth, 
or  that  ever  was  sith  God  was  born.  So  the  king  held  him 
there  four  days,  and  on  the  morrow  he  took  his  leave  at 
King  Pelles  and  at  all  the  fellowship,  and  thanked  them  of 
their  great  labour. 

So  Sir  Launcelot  departed,  and  took  his  arms,  and  said 
he  would  go  see  the  realm  of  Logris,  which  I  have  not  seen 
in  twelve  months.  And  therewith  he  commended  the  king 
to  God,  and  so  rode  through  many  realms.  And  at  the 
last  he  came  to  a  white  abbey,  and  there  they  made  him 
that  night  great  cheer ;  and  on  the  morn  he  rose  and  heard 
mass.  And  a  fore  an  altar  he  found  a  rich  tomb,  which  was 
newly  made ;  and  then  he  took  heed,  and  saw  the  sides 
written  with  gold  which  said :  Here  lieth  King  Bagdemagus 
of  Gore,  which  King  Arthur's  nephew  slew;  and  named 
him,  Sir  Gawaine.  Then  was  not  he  a  little  sorry,  for  Launce- 
lot loved  him  much  more  than  any  other,  and  had  it  been 
any  other  than  Gawaine  he  should  not  have  escaped  from 

2B 


370  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

death  to  life ;  and  said  to  himself :  Ah  Lord  God,  this  is 
a  great  hurt  unto  King  Arthur's  court,  the  loss  of  such  a  man. 
And  then  he  departed  and  came  to  the  abbey  where  Gala- 
had won  the  white  shield  with  the  red  cross ;  and  there  had 
he  great  cheer  all  that  night. 

And  on  the  morn  he  turned  unto  Camelot,  where  he 
found  King  Arthur  and  the  queen.  But  many  of  the  knights 
of  the  Round  Table  were  slain  and  destroyed,  more  than 
half.  And  all  the  court  was  passing  glad  of  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  the  king  asked  him  many  tidings  of  his  son  Galahad. 
And  there  Launcelot  told  the  king  of  his  adventures  that 
had  befallen  him  since  he  departed.  And  also  he  told  him 
of  the  adventures  of  Galahad,  Percivale,  and  Bors,  which 
that  he  knew  by  the  letter  of  the  dead  damosel,  and  as  Gal- 
ahad had  told  him.  Now  God  would,  said  the  king,  that 
they  were  all  three  here.  That  shall  never  be,  said  Launcelot, 
for  two  of  them  shall  ye  never  see,  but  one  of  them  shall 
come  again. 

Now  leave  we  this  story  and  speak  of  Galahad. 

HOW  GALAHAD  CAME  TO  KING  MOR- 
DRAINS,  AND  HOW  SIR  PERCIVALE  AND 
SIR  BORS  MET  WITH  HIM,  AND  HOW 
THEY  CAME  TO  THE  CASTLE  OF  CARBONEK. 
Now,  saith  the  story,  Galahad  rode  many  journeys  in  vain. 
And  at  the  last  he  came  to  the  abbey  where  King  Mordrains 
was,  and  when  he  heard  that,  he  thought  he  would  abide 
to  see  him.  And  upon  the  morn,  when  he  had  heard  mass, 
Galahad  came  unto  King  Mordrains,  and  anon  the  king 
saw  him,  the  which  had  lain  blind  of  long  time.  And  then 
he  dressed  him  against  him,  and  said :  Galahad,  the  servant 


OF   PERCIVALE,   BORS,  AND  GALAHAD      371 

of  Jesu  Christ,  whose  coming  I  have  abiden  so  long,  now 
embrace  me  and  let  me  rest  on  thy  breast,  so  that  I  may 
rest  between  thine  arms,  for  thou  art  a  clean  virgin  above 
all  knights,  as  the  flower  of  the  lily  in  whom  virginity  is 
signified,  and  thou  art  the  rose  the  which  is  the  flower  of  all 
good  virtues,  and  in  colour  of  fire.  For  the  fire  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  is  taken  so  in  thee  that  my  flesh  which  was  all  dead  of 
oldness  is  become  young  again.  When  Galahad  heard  his 
words,  then  he  embraced  him  and  all  his  body.  Then  said 
he :  Fair  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  now  I  have  my  will.  Now  I 
require  thee,  in  this  point  that  I  am  in,  thou  come  and  visit 
me.  And  anon  Our  Lord  heard  his  prayer:  therewith  the 
soul  departed  from  the  body. 

And  then  Galahad  put  him  in  the  earth  as  a  king  ought 
to  be,  and  so  departed  and  rode  till  that  he  came  to  the 
Maimed  King.  And  ever  followed  Percivale,  asking  where 
he  had  been.  So  on  a  day  it  befell  that  they  came  out  of  a 
great  forest,  and  there  they  met  at  traverse  with  Sir  Bors, 
the  which  rode  alone.  It  is  none  need  to  tell  if  they  were 
glad ;  and  them  he  saluted,  and  they  yielded  him  honour 
and  good  adventure,  and  everych  told  other.  Then  said 
Bors  :  It  is  mo  than  a  year  and  an  half  that  I  ne  lay  ten  times 
where  men  dwelled,  but  in  wild  forests  and  in  mountains, 
but  God  was  ever  my  comfort. 

Then  rode  they  a  great  while  till  that  they  came  to  the 
castle  of  Carbonek.  And  when  they  were  entered  within 
the  castle  King  Pelles  knew  them ;  then  there  was  great 
joy,  for  they  wist  well  by  their  coming  that  they  had  fulfilled 
the  quest  of  the  Sangreal.  Then  Eliazar,  King  Pelles'  son, 
brought  to-fore  them  the  broken  sword  wherewith  Joseph 
was  stricken  through  the  thigh.  Then  Bors  set  his  hand 


372  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

thereto,  if  that  he  might  have  soldered  it  again ;  but  it  would 
not  be.  Then  he  took  it  to  Percivale,  but  he  had  no  more 
power  thereto  than  he.  Now  have  ye  it  again,  said  Percivale 
to  Galahad,  for  an  it  be  ever  enchieved  by  any  bodily  man 
ye  must  do  it.  And  then  he  took  the  pieces  and  set  them 
together,  and  they  seemed  that  they  had  never  been  broken, 
and  as  well  as  it  had  been  first  forged.  And  when  they  within 
espied  that  the  adventure  of  the  sword  was  enchieved,  then 
they  gave  the  sword  to  Bors,  for  it  might  not  be  better  set ; 
for  he  was  a  good  knight  and  a  worthy  man. 

And  a  little  afore  even  the  sword  arose  great  and  mar- 
vellous, and  was  full  of  great  heat  that  many  men  fell  for 
dread.  And  anon  alighted  a  voice  among  them,  and  said : 
They  that  ought  not  to  sit  at  the  table  of  Jesu  Christ  arise, 
for  now  shall  very  knights  be  fed.  So  they  went  thence, 
all  save  King  Pelles  and  Eliazar,  his  son,  the  which  were 
holy  men,  and  a  maid  which  was  his  niece  ;  and  so  these 
three  fellows  and  they  three  were  there,  no  mo.  Anon  they 
saw  knights  all  armed  came  in  at  the  hall  door,  and  did  off 
their  helms  and  their  arms,  and  said  unto  Galahad :  Sir,  we 
have  hied  right  much  for  to  be  with  you  at  this  table  where 
the  holy  meat  shall  be  departed.  Then  said  he :  Ye  be 
welcome,  but  of  whence  be  ye  ?  So  three  of  them  said  they 
were  of  Gaul,  and  other  three  said  they  were  of  Ireland, 
and  the  other  three  said  they  were  of  Denmark.  So  as  they 
sat  thus  there  came  out  a  bed  of  tree,  of  a  chamber,  the  which 
four  gentlewomen  brought ;  and  in  the  bed  lay  a  good  man 
sick,  and  a  crown  of  gold  upon  his  head ;  and  there  in  the 
midst  of  the  place  they  set  him  down,  and  went  again  their 
way.  Then  he  lifted  up  his  head,  and  said  :  Galahad,  Knight, 
ye  be  welcome,  for  much  have  I  desired  your  coming,  for  in 


OF  SIR   GALAHAD  AND   HIS   FELLOWS      373 

such  pain  and  in  such  anguish  I  have  been  long.  But  now 
I  trust  to  God  the  term  is  come  that  my  pain  shall  be  al- 
layed, that  I  shall  pass  out  of  this  world  so  as  it  was  promised 
me  long  ago.  Therewith  a  voice  said  :  There  be  two  among 
you  that  be  not  in  the  quest  of  the  Sangreal,  and  therefore 
depart  ye. 

HOW  GALAHAD  AND  HIS  FELLOWS 
WERE  FED  OF  THE  HOLY  SANGREAL, 
AND  HOW  OUR  LORD  APPEARED 
TO  THEM,  AND  HOW  GALAHAD 
ANOINTED  THE  MAIMED  KING,  AND  HOW 
THEY  DEPARTED  AND  TOOK  SHIP  AND  CAME 
TO  THE  CITY  OF  SARRAS,  AND  FOUND  THERE 
THE  SHIP  WITH  THE  BODY  OF  PERCIVALE'S 
SISTER.  Then  King  Pelles  and  his  son  departed.  And 
therewithal  beseemed  them  that  there  came  a  man,  and  four 
angels  from  heaven,  clothed  in  likeness  of  a  bishop,  and  had  a 
cross  in  his  hand ;  and  these  four  angels  bare  him  up  in  a 
chair,  and  set  him  down  before  the  table  of  silver  where- 
upon the  Sangreal  was ;  and  it  seemed  that  he  had  in  midst 
of  his  forehead  letters  the  which  said :  See  ye  here  Joseph, 
the  first  bishop  of  Christendom,  the  same  which  Our  Lord 
succoured  in  the  city  of  Sarras  in  the  spiritual  place.  Then 
the  knights  marvelled,  for  that  bishop  was  dead  more  than 
three  hundred  year  to-fore.  O  knights,  said  he,  marvel 
not,  for  I  was  sometime  an  earthly  man.  With  that  they 
heard  the  chamber  door  open,  and  there  they  saw  angels ; 
and  two  bare  candles  of  wax,  and  the  third  a  towel,  and  the 
fourth  a  spear  which  bled  marvellously,  that  three  drops 
fell  within  a  box  which  he  held  with  his  other  hand.  And 


374  OF   SIR   GALAHAD 

they  set  the  candles  upon  the  table,  and  the  third  the  towel 
upon  the  vessel,  and  the  fourth  the  holy  spear  even  upright 
upon  the  vessel.  And  then  the  bishop  made  semblaunt 
as  though  he  would  have  gone  to  the  sacring  of  the  mass. 
And  then  he  took  an  ubblie  which  was  made  in  likeness  of 
bread.  And  at  the  lifting  up  there  came  a  figure  in  likeness 
of  a  child,  and  the  visage  was  as  red  and  as  bright  as  any 
fire,  and  smote  himself  into  the  bread,  so  that  they  all  saw 
it  that  the  bread  was  formed  of  a  fleshly  man ;  and  then  he 
put  it  into  the  Holy  Vessel  again,  and  then  he  did  that  longed 
to  a  priest  to  do  to  a  mass.  And  then  he  went  to  Galahad 
and  kissed  him,  and  bade  him  go  and  kiss  his  fellows :  and 
so  he  did  anon.  Now,  said  he,  servants  of  Jesu  Christ,  ye 
shall  be  fed  afore  this  table  with  sweet  meats  that  never 
knights  tasted.  And  when  he  had  said,  he  vanished  away. 
And  they  set  them  at  the  table  in  great  dread,  and  made  their 
prayers. 

Then  looked  they  and  saw  a  man  come  out  of  the  Holy 
Vessel,  that  had  all  the  signs  of  the  passion  of  Jesu  Christ, 
bleeding  all  openly,  and  said :  My  knights,  and  my  servants, 
and  my  true  children,  which  be  come  out  of  deadly  life  into 
spiritual  life,  I  will  now  no  longer  hide  me  from  you,  but  ye 
shall  see  now  a  part  of  my  secrets  and  of  my  hidden  things : 
now  hold  and  receive  the  high  meat  which  ye  have  so  much 
desired.  Then  took  he  himself  the  Holy  Vessel  and  came 
to  Galahad ;  and  he  kneeled  down,  and  there  he  received 
his  Saviour,  and  after  him  so  received  all  his  fellows ;  and 
they  thought  it  so  sweet  that  it  was  marvellous  to  tell.  Then 
said  he  to  Galahad  :  Son,  wottest  thou  what  I  hold  betwixt 
my  hands  ?  Nay,  said  he,  but  if  ye  will  tell  me.  This  is, 
said  he,  the  holy  dish  wherein  I  ate  the  lamb  on  Sheer-Thurs- 


SIR   GALAHAD  ANOINTS  THE   KING          375 

day.  And  now  hast  thou  seen  that  thou  most  desired 
to  see,  but  yet  hast  thou  not  seen  it  so  openly  as  thou  shalt 
see  it  in  the  city  of  Sarras  in  the  spiritual  place.  Therefore 
thou  must  go  hence  and  bear  with  thee  this  Holy  Vessel ; 
for  this  night  it  shall  depart  from  the  realm  of  Logris,  that 
it  shall  never  be  seen  more  here.  And  wottest  thou  where- 
fore ?  For  he  is  not  served  nor  worshipped  to  his  right  by 
them  of  this  land,  for  they  be  turned  to  evil  living ;  therefore 
I  shall  disherit  them  of  the  honour  which  I  have  done  them. 
And  therefore  go  ye  three  to-morrow  unto  the  sea,  where 
ye  shall  find  your  ship  ready,  and  with  you  take  the  sword 
with  the  strange  girdles,  and  no  more  with  you  but  Sir  Per- 
civale  and  Sir  Bors.  Also  I  will  that  ye  take  with  you  of  the 
blood  of  this  spear  for  to  anoint  the  Maimed  King,  both  his 
legs  and  all  his  body,  and  he  shall  have  his  health.  Sir, 
said  Galahad,  why  shall  not  these  other  fellows  go  with 
us  ?  For  this  cause :  for  right  as  I  departed  my  apostles 
one  here  and  another  there,  so  I  will  that  ye  depart ;  and 
two  of  you  shall  die  in  my  service,  but  one  of  you  shall 
come  again  and  tell  tidings.  Then  gave  he  them  his  blessing 
and  vanished  away. 

And  Galahad  went  anon  to  the  spear  which  lay  upo'n  the 
table,  and  touched  the  blood  with  his  fingers,  and  came 
after  to  the  Maimed  King  and  anointed  his  legs.  And  there- 
with he  clothed  him  anon,  and  started  upon  his  feet  out 
of  his  bed  as  an  whole  man,  and  thanked  Our  Lord  that 
He  had  healed  him.  And  that  was  not  to  the  worldward, 
for  anon  he  yielded  him  to  a  place  of  religion  of  white  monks, 
and  was  a  full  holy  man.  That  same  night  about  midnight 
came  a  voice  among  them  which  said :  My  sons  and  not 
my  chief  sons,  my  friends  and  not  my  warriors,  go  ye  hence 


376  OF  SIR   GALAHAD 

where  ye  hope  best  to  do  and  as  I  bade  you.  And  anon  in 
all  haste  they  took  their  harness  and  departed.  But  the 
three  knights  of  Gaul,  one  of  them  hight  Claudine,  King 
Claudas'  son,  and  the  other  two  were  great  gentlemen. 
Then  prayed  Galahad  to  everych  of  them,  that  if  they  come 
to  King  Arthur's  court  that  they  should  salute  my  lord, 
Sir  Launcelot,  my  father,  and  all  the  fellowship  of  the  Round 
Table ;  and  prayed  them  if  that  they  came  on  that  part  that 
they  should  not  forget  it. 

Right  so  departed  Galahad,  Percivale  and  Bors  with 
him ;  and  so  they  rode  three  days,  and  then  they  came  to 
a  rivage,  and  found  the  ship  whereof  the  tale  speaketh  of 
to-fore.  And  when  they  came  to  the  board  they  found  in 
the  midst  the  table  of  silver  which  they  had  left  with  the 
Maimed  King,  and  the  Sangreal  which  was  covered  with 
red  samite.  Then  were  they  glad  to  have  such  things  in 
their  fellowship ;  and  so  they  entered  and  made  great  rev- 
erence thereto ;  and  Galahad  fell  in  his  prayer  long  time 
to  Our  Lord,  that  at  what  time  he  asked,  that  he  should 
pass  out  of  this  world.  So  much  he  prayed  till  a  voice  said 
to  him :  Galahad,  thou  shalt  have  thy  request ;  and  when 
thou  askest  the  death  of  thy  body  thou  shalt  have  it,  and  then 
shalt  thou  find  the  life  of  the  soul.  Percivale  heard  this, 
and  prayed  him,  of  fellowship  that  was  between  them,  to 
tell  him  wherefore  he  asked  such  things.  That  shall  I  tell 
you,  said  Galahad ;  the  other  day  when  we  saw  a  part  of 
the  adventures  of  the  Sangreal  I  was  in  such  a  joy  of  heart, 
that  I  trow  never  man  was  that  was  earthly.  And  therefore 
I  wot  well,  when  my  body  is  dead  my  soul  shall  be  in  great 
joy  to  see  the  blessed  Trinity  every  day,  and  the  majesty 
of  Our  Lord,  Jesu  Christ. 


HOW  SIR   GALAHAD  WAS   MADE   KING      377 

So  long  were  they  in  the  ship  that  they  said  to  Galahad : 
Sir,  in  this  bed  ought  ye  to  lie,  for  so  saith  the  scripture.  And 
so  he  laid  him  down  and  slept  a  great  while ;  and  when  he 
awaked  he  looked  afore  him  and  saw  the  city  of  Sarras. 
And  as  they  would  have  landed  they  saw  the  ship  wherein 
Percivale  had  put  his  sister  in.  Truly,  said  Percivale,  in 
the  name  of  God,  well  hath  my  sister  holden  us  covenant. 
Then  took  they  out  of  the  ship  the  table  of  silver,  and  he 
took  it  to  Percivale  and  to  Bors,  to  go  to-fore,  and  Galahad 
came  behind.  And  right  so  they  went  to  the  city,  and  at 
the  gate  of  the  city  they  saw  an  old  man  crooked.  Then 
Galahad  called  him  and  bade  him  help  to  bear  this  heavy 
thing.  Truly,  said  the  old  man,  it  is  ten  year  ago  that  I 
might  not  go  but  with  crutches.  Care  thou  not,  said  Gala- 
had, and  arise  up  and  shew  thy  good  will.  And  so  he  as- 
sayed, and  found  himself  as  whole  as  ever  he  was.  Then 
ran  he  to  the  table,  and  took  one  part  against  Galahad. 
And  anon  arose  there  great  noise  in  the  city,  that  a  cripple  was 
made  whole  by  knights  marvellous  that  entered  into  the  city. 

HOW  THEY  BURIED  PERCIVALE'S  SISTER 
AND  WERE  PUT  IN  PRISON  BY  THE  KING 
OF  THE  CITY,  AND  HOW  THEY  WERE  FED 
WITH  THE  SANGREAL  AND  HOW  GALAHAD  WAS 
MADE  KING,  AND  HOW  GALAHAD  AND  PERCI- 
VALE DIED.  Then  anon  after,  the  three  knights  went 
to  the  water,  and  brought  up  into  the  palace  Percivale's 
sister,  and  buried  her  as  richly  as  a  king's  daughter  ought 
to  be.  And  when  the  king  of  the  city,  which  was  cleped 
Estorause,  saw  the  fellowship,  he  asked  them  of  whence 
they  were,  and  what  thing  it  was  that  they  had  brought 


378  OF  SIR   GALAHAD 

upon  the  table  of  silver.  And  they  told  him  the  truth  of 
the  Sangreal,  and  the  power  which  that  God  had  sent  there. 
Then  the  king  was  a  tyrant,  and  was  come  of  the  line  of 
paynims,  and  took  them  and  put  them  in  prison  in  a  deep 
hole. 

But  as  soon  as  they  were  there  Our  Lord  sent  them  the 
Sangreal,  through  whose  grace  they  were  always  fulfilled 
while  that  they  were  in  prison.  So  at  the  year's  end  it 
befell  that  this  King  Estorause  lay  sick,  and  felt  that  he 
should  die.  Then  he  sent  for  the  three  knights,  and  they 
came  afore  him ;  and  he  cried  them  mercy  of  that  he  had 
done  to  them,  and  they  forgave  it  him  goodly ;  and  he  died 
anon.  When  the  king  was  dead  all  the  city  was  dismayed, 
and  wist  not  who  might  be  their  king.  Right  so  as  they 
were  in  counsel  there  came  a  voice  among  them,  and  bade 
them  choose  the  youngest  knight  of  them  three  to  be  their 
king:  For  he  shall  well  maintain  you  and  all  yours.  So 
they  made  Galahad  king  by  all  the  assent  of  the  holy  city, 
and  else  they  would  have  slain  him.  And  when  he  was 
come  to  behold  the  land,  he  let  make  above  the  table  of 
silver  a  chest  of  gold  and  of  precious  stones,  that  covered  the 
Holy  Vessel.  And  every  day  early  the  three  fellows  would 
come  afore  it,  and  make  their  prayers. 

Now  at  the  year's  end,  and  the  self  day  after  Galahad 
had  borne  the  crown  of  gold,  he  arose  up  early  and  his  fel- 
lows, and  came  to  the  palace,  and  saw  to-fore  them  the 
Holy  Vessel,  and  a  man  kneeling  on  his  knees  in  likeness 
of  a  bishop,  that  had  about  him  a  great  fellowship  of  angels, 
as  it  had  been  Jesu  Christ  himself;  and  then  he  arose  and 
began  a  mass  of  Our  Lady.  And  when  he  came  to  the  sac- 
rament of  the  mass,  and  had  done,  anon  he  called  Galahad, 


OF  THE   DEATH  OF   SIR   GALAHAD         379 

and  said  to  him :  Come  forth  the  servant  of  Jesu  Christ, 
and  thou  shalt  see  that  thou  hast  much  desired  to  see.  And 
then  he  began  to  tremble  right  hard  when  the  deadly  flesh 
began  to  behold  the  spiritual  things.  Then  he  held  up  his 
hands  toward  heaven  and  said :  Lord,  I  thank  thee,  for  now 
I  see  that  that  hath  been  my  desire  many  a  day.  Now, 
blessed  Lord,  would  I  not  longer  live,  if  it  might  please  thee, 
Lord.  And  therewith  the  good  man  took  Our  Lord's  body 
betwixt  his  hands,  and  proffered  it  to  Galahad,  and  he  re- 
ceived it  right  gladly  and  meekly.  Now  wottest  thou  what 
I  am  ?  said  the  good  man.  Nay,  said  Galahad.  I  am 
Joseph  of  Aramathie,  the  which  Our  Lord  hath  sent  here  to 
thee  to  bear  thee  fellowship ;  and  wottest  thou  wherefore 
that  he  hath  sent  me  more  than  any  other  ?  For  thou  hast 
resembled  me  in  two  things ;  in  that  thou  hast  seen  the 
marvels  of  the  Sangreal,  in  that  thou  hast  been  a  clean  maiden, 
as  I  have  been  and  am. 

And  when  he  had  said  these  words  Galahad  went  to 
Percivale  and  kissed  him,  and  commended  him  to  God ;  and 
so  he  went  to  Sir  Bors  and  kissed  him,  and  commended  him  to 
God,  and  said :  Fair  lord,  salute  me  to  my  lord,  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  my  father,  and  as  soon  as  ye  see  him,  bid  him  remem- 
ber of  this  unstable  world.  And  therewith  he  kneeled  down 
to-fore  the  table  and  made  his  prayers,  and  then  suddenly 
his  soul  departed  to  Jesu  Christ,  and  a  great  multitude  of 
angels  bare  his  soul  up  to  heaven,  that  the  two  fellows  might 
well  behold  it.  Also  the  two  fellows  saw  come  from  heaven 
an  hand,  but  they  saw  not  the  body.  And  then  it  came 
right  to  the  vessel,  and  took  it  and  the  spear,  and  so  bare 
it  up  to  heaven.  Sithen  was  there  never  man  so  hardy 
to  say  that  he  had  seen  the  Sangreal. 


380  OF  SIR   GALAHAD 

When  Percivale  and  Bors  saw  Galahad  dead  they  made 
as  much  sorrow  as  ever  did  two  men.  And  if  they  had 
not  been  good  men  they  might  lightly  have  fallen  in  despair. 
And  the  people  of  the  country  and  of  the  city  were  right 
heavy.  And  then  he  was  buried ;  and  as  soon  as  he  was 
buried  Sir  Percivale  yielded  him  to  an  hermitage  out  of  the 
city,  and  took  a  religious  clothing.  And  Bors  was  alway 
with  him,  but  never  changed  he  his  secular  clothing,  for 
that  he  purposed  him  to  go  again  into  the  realm  of  Logris. 
Thus  a  year  and  two  months  lived  Sir  Percivale  in  the  her- 
mitage a  full  holy  life,  and  then  passed  out  of  this  world ; 
and  Bors  let  bury  him  by  his  sister  and  by  Galahad  in  the 
spiritualities. 

When  Bors  saw  that  he  was  in  so'far  countries  as  in  the 
parts  of  Babylon  he  departed  from  Sarras,  and  armed  him 
and  came  to  the  sea,  and  entered  into  a  ship  ;  and  so  it  be- 
fell him  in  good  adventure  he  came  into  the  realm  of  Logris  ; 
and  he  rode  so  fast  till  he  came  to  Camelot  where  the  king 
was.  And  then  was  there  great  joy  made  of  him  in  the 
court,  for  they  weened  all  he  had  been  dead,  forasmuch  as 
he  had  been  so  long  out  of  the  country.  And  when  they 
had  eaten,  the  king  made  great  clerks  to  come  afore  him, 
that  they  should  chronicle  of  the  high  adventures  of  the 
good  knights.  When  Bors  had  told  him  of  the  adventures 
of  the  Sangreal,  such  as  had  befallen  him  and  his  three  fel- 
lows, that  was  Launcelot,  Percivale,  Galahad,  and  himself, 
there  Launcelot  told  the  adventures  of  the  Sangreal  that  he 
had  seen.  All  this  was  made  in  great  books,  and  put  up  in 
almeries  at  Salisbury.  And  anon  Sir  Bors  said  to  Sir  Laun- 
celot :  Galahad,  your  own  son,  saluted  you  by  me,  and 
after  you  King  Arthur  and  all  the  court,  and  so  did  Sir  Per- 


OF  THE  DEATH  OF  SIR  GALAHAD 


civale,  for  I  buried  them  with  mine  own  hands  in  the  city 
of  Sarras.  Also,  Sir  Launcelot,  Galahad  prayed  you  to 
remember  of  this  unsiker  world.  Now  I  trust  to  God,  said 
Launcelot,  his  prayer  shall  avail  me. 


OF  LAUNCELOT,  GUENEVER,  AND 
KING  ARTHUR 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  FELL  TO  HIS 
OLD  LOVE  AGAIN,  BUT  WITHDREW 
HIM  FROM  GUENEVER  TO  ESCHEW 
SLANDER,  AND  HOW  THE  QUEEN 
COMMANDED  HIM  TO  AVOID  THE 
COURT.  So  after  the  quest  of  the  Sangreal 
was  fulfilled,  and  all  knights  that  were  left  alive 
were  come  again  unto  the  Table  Round,  as  the 
book  of  the  Sangreal  maketh  mention,  then  was 
there  great  joy  in  the  court ;  and  in  especial  King  Arthur  and 
Queen  Guenever  made  great  joy  of  the  remnant  that  were 
come  home,  and  passing  glad  was  the  king  and  the  queen 
of  Sir  Launcelot  and  of  Sir  Bors,  for  they  had  been  passing 
long  away  in  the  quest  of  the  Sangreal. 

Then,  as  the  book  saith,  Sir  Launcelot  began  to  resort 
unto  Queen  Guenever  again,  and  forgat  the  promise  and 
the  perfection  that  he  made  in  the  quest,  and  so  they  loved 
together  more  hotter  than  they  did  to-forehand,  that  many 
in  the  court  spake  of  it,  and  in  especial  Sir  Agravaine,  Sir 
Gawaine's  brother,  for  he  was  ever  open-mouthed. 

So  befell  that  Sir  Launcelot  had  many  resorts  of  ladies 
and  damosels  that  daily  resorted  unto  him,  that  besought 

382 


OF  THE  QUEEN  AND   SIR   LAUNCELOT     383 

him  to  be  their  champion,  and  in  all  such  matters  of  right 
Sir  Launcelot  applied  him  daily  to  do  for  the  pleasure  of 
Our  Lord,  Jesu  Christ.  And  ever  as  much  as  he  might 
he  withdrew  him  from  the  company  and  fellowship  of  Queen 
Guenever,  for  to  eschew  the  slander  and  noise ;  wherefore 
the  queen  waxed  wroth  with  Sir  Launcelot.  And  upon  a 
day  she  called  Sir  Launcelot  unto  her  chamber,  and  said 
thus :  Sir  Launcelot,  I  see  and  feel  daily  that  thy  love  be- 
ginneth  to  slake,  for  thou  hast  no  joy  to  be  in  my  presence, 
but  ever  thou  art  of  this  court,  and  quarrels  and  matters 
thou  hast  nowadays  for  ladies  and  gentlewomen  more  than 
ever  thou  wert  wont  to  have  aforehand. 

Ah  madam,  said  Launcelot,  in  this  ye  must  hold  me 
excused  for  divers  causes ;  one  is,  I  was  but  late  in  the  quest 
of  the  Sangreal ;  and  I  thank  God  of  his  great  mercy,  and 
never  of  my  desert,  that  I  saw  in  that  my  quest  as  much 
as  ever  saw  any  sinful  man,  and  so  was  it  told  me.  And  if 
I  had  not  had  my  privy  thoughts  to  return  to  your  love 
again  as  I  do,  I  had  seen  as  great  mysteries  as  ever  saw  my 
son  Galahad,  outher  Percivale,  or  Sir  Bors ;  and  therefore, 
madam,  I  was  but  late  in  that  quest.  Wit  ye  well,  madam, 
it  may  not  be  yet  lightly  forgotten  the  high  service  in  whom 
I  did  my  diligent  labour.  Also,  madam,  wit  ye  well  that 
there  be  many  men  speak  of  our  love  in  this  court,  and  have 
you  and  me  greatly  in  await,  as  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mor- 
dred ;  and  madam,  wit  ye  well  I  dread  them  more  for  your 
sake  than  for  any  fear  I  have  of  them  myself,  for  I  may  happen 
to  escape  and  rid  myself  in  a  great  need,  where  ye  must 
abide  all  that  will  be  said  unto  you.  And  then  if  that  ye 
fall  in  any  distress  through  wilful  folly,  then  is  there  none 
other  remedy  or  help  but  by  me  and  my  blood.  And  wit 


384     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

ye  well,  madam,  the  boldness  of  you  and  me  will  bring  us 
to  great  shame  and  slander ;  and  that  were  me  loath,  to  see 
you  dishonoured.  And  that  is  the  cause  I  take  upon  me 
more  for  to  do  for  damosels  and  maidens  than  ever  I  did 
to-fore,  that  men  should  understand  my  joy  and  my  delight 
is  my  pleasure  to  have  ado  for  damosels  and  maidens. 

All  this  while  the  queen  stood  still  and  let  Sir  Launcelot 
say  what  he  would.  And  when  he  had  all  said  she  brast 
out  a-weeping,  and  so  she  sobbed  and  wept  a  great  while. 
And  when  she  might  speak  she  said :  Launcelot,  now  I  well 
understand  that  thou  art  a  false  recreant  knight  and  lovest 
and  holdest  other  ladies,  and  by  me  thou  hast  disdain  and 
scorn.  For  wit  thou  well,  she  said,  now  I  understand  thy 
falsehood,  and  therefore  shall  I  never  love  thee  no  more. 
And  never  be  thou  so  hardy  to  come  in  my  sight ;  and  right 
here  I  discharge  thee  this  court,  that  thou  never  come  within 
it ;  and  I  forfend  thee  my  fellowship,  and  upon  pain  of  thy 
head  that  thou  see  me  no  more.  Right  so  Sir  Launcelot 
departed  with  great  heaviness,  that  unnethe  he  might  sustain 
himself  for  great  dole-making. 

Then  he  called  Sir  Bors,  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  and  Sir 
Lionel,  and  told  them  how  the  queen  had  forfended  him 
the  court,  and  so  he  was  in  will  to  depart  into  his  own  country. 
Fair  sir,  said  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis,  ye  shall  not  depart  out  of 
this  land  by  mine  advice.  Ye  must  remember  in  what 
honour  ye  are  renowned,  and  called  the  noblest  knight  of 
the  world  ;  and  many  great  matters  ye  have  in  hand.  And 
women  in  their  hastiness  will  do  ofttimes  that  sore  repenteth 
them;  and  therefore  by  mine  advice  ye  shall  take  your 
horse,  and  ride  to  the  good  hermit  here  beside  Windsor, 
that  sometime  was  a  good  knight,  his  name  is  Sir  Brasias, 


HOW  THE  QUEEN  MADE  A  DINNER       385 

and  there  shall  ye  .abide  till  I  send  you  word  of  better  tidings. 
And  then  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  departed 
with  right  heavy  cheer  suddenly,  that  none  earthly  creature 
wist  of  him,  nor  where  he  was  become,  but  Sir  Bors.  So 
when  Sir  Launcelot  was  departed,  the  queen  outward  made 
no  manner  of  sorrow  in  showing,  to  none  of  his  blood,  nor 
to  none  other.  But  wit  ye  well,  inwardly,  as  the  book  saith, 
she  took  great  thought,  but  she  bare  it  out  with  a  proud 
countenance  as  though  she  felt  nothing  nor  danger. 

HOW  AT  A  DINNER  THAT  THE  QUEEN 
MADE  THERE  WAS  A  KNIGHT  EN- 
POISONED,  WHICH  SIR  MADOR  LAID  ON 
THE  QUEEN,  AND  APPEACHED  HER  FOR  IT  AND 
HOW  SIR  BORS  TOOK  ON  HIM  TO  FIGHT  FOR 
THE  QUEEN  UPON  CONDITION.  And  then  the  queen 
let  make  a  privy  dinner  in  London  unto  the  knights  of  the 
Round  Table.  And  all  was  for  to  show  outward  that  she 
had  as  great  joy  in  all  other  knights  of  the  Table  Round  as 
she  had  in  Sir  Launcelot.  All  only  at  that  dinner  she  had 
Sir  Gawaine  and  his  brethren,  that  is  for  to  say  Sir  Agravaine, 
Sir  Gaheris,  Sir  Gareth,  and  Sir  Mordred.  Also  there  was 
Sir  Bors  de  Ganis,  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis,  Sir  Bleoberis  de 
Ganis,  Sir  Galihud,  Sir  Galihodin,  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  Sir 
Lionel,  Sir  Palomides,  Sir  Safere  his  brother,  Sir  La  Cote  Male 
Taile,  Sir  Persant,  Sir  Ironside,  Sir  Brandiles,  Sir  Kay  le 
Seneschal,  Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte,  Sir  Patrise,  a  knight  of 
Ireland,  Aliduk,  Sir  Astamore,  and  Sir  Pinel  le  Savage,  the 
which  was  cousin  to  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis,  the  good  knight 
that  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  brethren  slew  by  treason.  And  so 
these  four-and-twenty  knights  should  dine  with  the  queen 

2C 


386     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

in  a  privy  place  by  themself,  and  there  was  made  a  great 
feast  of  all  manner  of  dainties. 

But  Sir  Gawaine  had  a  custom  that  he  used  daily  at 
dinner  and  at  supper,  that  he  loved  well  all  manner  of  fruit, 
and  in  especial  apples  and  pears.  And  therefore  whosomever 
dined  or  feasted  Sir  Gawaine  would  commonly  purvey  for 
good  fruit  for  him,  and  so  did  the  queen  for  to  please  Sir 
Gawaine ;  she  let  purvey  for  him  all  manner  of  fruit,  for 
Sir  Gawaine  was  a  passing  hot  knight  of  nature.  And  this 
Pinel  hated  Sir  Gawaine  because  of  his  kinsman  Sir  Lamorak 
de  Galis ;  and  therefore  for  pure  envy  and  hate  Sir  Pinel 
enpoisoned  certain  apples  for  to  enpoison  Sir  Gawaine. 
And  so  this  was  well  unto  the  end  of  the  meat ;  and  so  it 
befell  by  misfortune  a  good  knight  named  Patrise,  cousin 
unto  Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte,  to  take  a  poisoned  apple.  And 
when  he  had  eaten  it  he  swelled  so  till  he  brast,  and  there 
Sir  Patrise  fell  down  suddenly  dead  among  them. 

Then  every  knight  leapt  from  the  board  ashamed,  and 
araged  for  wrath,  nigh  out  of  their  wits.  For  they  wist 
not  what  to  say;  considering  Queen  Guenever  made  the 
feast  and  dinner,  they  all  had  suspicion  unto  her.  My 
lady,  the  queen,  said  Gawaine,  wit  ye  well,  madam,  that 
this  dinner  was  made  for  me,  for  all  folks  that  know  my 
condition  understand  that  I  love  well  fruit,  and  now  I  see 
well  I  had  near  been  slain ;  therefore,  madam,  I  dread  me 
lest  ye  will  be  shamed.  Then  the  queen  stood  still  and  was 
sore  abashed,  that  she  nist  not  what  to  say.  This  shall 
not  so  be  ended,  said  Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte,  for  here  have 
I  lost  a  full  noble  knight  of  my  blood ;  and  therefore  upon 
this  shame  and  despite  I  will  be  revenged  to  the  utterance. 
And  there  openly  Sir  Mador  appealed  the  queen  of  the  death 


THE  QUEEN  APPEACHED  OF  TREASON     387 

of  his  cousin,  Sir  Patrise.  Then  stood  they  all  still,  that 
none  would  speak  a  word  against  him,  for  they  all  had  great 
suspicion  unto  the  queen  because  she  let  make  that  dinner. 
And  the  queen  was  so  abashed  that  she  could  none  other 
ways  do,  but  wept  so  heartily  that  she  fell  in  a  swoon.  With 
this  noise  and  cry  came  to  them  King  Arthur,  and  when 
he  wist  of  that  trouble  he  was  a  passing  heavy  man. 

And  ever  Sir  Mador  stood  still  afore  the  king,  and  ever 
he  appealed  the  queen  of  treason ;  for  the  custom  was  such 
that  time  that  all  manner  of  shameful  death  was  called 
treason.  Fair  lords,  said  King  Arthur,  me  repenteth  of  this 
trouble,  but  the  case  is  so  I  may  not  have  ado  in  this  matter, 
for  I  must  be  a  rightful  judge ;  and  that  repenteth  me  that 
I  may  not  do  battle  for  my  wife,  for  as  I  deem  this  deed 
came  never  by  her.  And  therefore  I  suppose  she  shall  not 
be  all  distained,  but  that  some  good  knight  shall  put  his 
body  in  jeopardy  for  my  queen  rather  than  she  shall  be 
brent  in  a  wrong  quarrel.  And  therefore,  Sir  Mador,  be 
not  so  hasty,  for  it  may  happen  she  shall  not  be  all  friendless ; 
and  therefore  desire  thou  thy  day  of  battle,  and  she  shall 
purvey  her  of  some  good  knight  that  shall  answer  you,  or 
else  it  were  to  me  great  shame,  and  to  all  my  court. 

My  gracious  lord,  said  Sir  Mador,  ye  must  hold  me  ex- 
cused, for  though  ye  be  our  king  in  that  degree,  ye  are  but 
a  knight  as  we  are,  and  ye  are  sworn  unto  knighthood  as 
well  as  we ;  and  therefore  I  beseech  you  that  ye  be  not  dis- 
pleased, for  there  is  none  of  the  four-and-twenty  knights 
that  were  bidden  to  this  dinner  but  all  they  have  great  sus- 
picion unto  the  queen.  What  say  ye  all,  my  lords  ?  said 
Sir  Mador.  Then  they  answered  by  and  by  that  they  could 
not  excuse  the  queen,  forwhy  she  made  the  dinner,  and 


388     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

either  it  must  come  by  her  or  by  her  servants.  Alas,  said 
the  queen,  I  made  this  dinner  for  a  good  intent,  and  never 
for  none  evil,  so  Almighty  God  help  me  in  my  right,  as  I 
was  never  purposed  to  do  such  evil  deeds,  and  that  I  report 
me  unto  God. 

My  lord,  the  king,  said  Sir  Mador,  I  require  you  as  ye 
be  a  righteous  king  give  me  a  day  that  I  may  have  justice. 
Well,  said  the  king,  I  give  the  day  this  day  fifteen  days  that 
thou  be  ready  armed  on  horseback  in  the  meadow  beside 
Westminster.  And  if  it  so  fall  that  there  be  any  knight 
to  encounter  with  you,  there  mayst  thou  do  the  best,  and 
God  speed  the  right.  And  if  it  so  fall  that  there  be  no  knight 
at  that  day,  then  must  my  queen  be  burnt,  and  there  she 
shall  be  ready  to  have  her  judgment.  I  am  answered,  said 
Sir  Mador.  And  every  knight  went  where  it  liked  them. 

So  when  the  king  and  the  queen  were  together  the  king 
asked  the  queen  how  this  case  befell.  The  queen  answered : 
So  God  me  help,  I  wot  not  how  or  in  what  manner.  Where 
is  Sir  Launcelot  ?  said  King  Arthur ;  an  he  were  here  he 
would  not  grudge  to  do  battle  for  you.  Sir,  said  the  queen, 
I  wot  not  where  he  is,  but  his  brother  and  his  kinsmen  deem 
that  he  be  not  within  this  realm.  That  me  repenteth,  said 
King  Arthur,  for  an  he  were  here  he  would  soon  stint  this 
strife.  Then  I  will  counsel  you,  said  the  king,  send  unto 
Sir  Bors,  that  he  will  do  battle  for  you  for  Sir  Launcelot's 
sake,  and  upon  my  life  he  will  not  refuse  you.  For  well 
I  see,  said  the  king,  that  none  of  these  four-and-twenty 
knights  that  were  with  you  at  your  dinner  where  Sir  Patrise 
was  slain,  will  do  battle  for  you,  nor  none  of  them  will  say 
well  of  you,  and  that  shall  be  a  great  slander  for  you  in  this 
court.  Alas,  said  the  queen,  and  I  may  not  do  withal ;  but 


THE  QUEEN  APPEACHED  OF  TREASON    389 

now  I  miss  Sir  Launcelot,  for  an  he  were  here  he  would  put 
me  soon  to  my  heart's  ease.  What  aileth  you,  said  the 
king,  ye  cannot  keep  Sir  Launcelot  upon  your  side  ?  For 
wit  ye  well,  said  the  king,  who  that  hath  Sir  Launcelot  upon  his 
party  hath  the  most  man  of  worship  in  the  world  upon  his 
side.  Now  go  your  way,  said  the  king  unto  the  queen,  and 
require  Sir  Bors  to  do  battle  for  you  for  Sir  Launcelot's  sake. 

So  the  queen  departed  from  the  king,  and  sent  for  Sir 
Bors  into  her  chamber.  And  when  he  was  come  she  be- 
sought him  of  succour.  Madam,  said  he,  what  would  ye 
that  I  did  ?  for  I  may  not  with  my  worship  have  ado  in  this 
matter,  because  I  was  at  the  same  dinner,  for  dread  that 
any  of  those  knights  would  have  me  in  suspicion.  Also, 
madam,  said  Sir  Bors,  now  miss  ye  Sir  Launcelot,  for  he 
would  not  have  failed  you,  neither  in  right  nor  in  wrong, 
as  ye  have  well  proved  when  ye  have  been  in  danger;  and 
now  ye  have  driven  him  out  of  this  country,  by  whom  ye 
and  all  we  were  daily  worshipped ;  therefore,  madam,  I 
marvel  how  ye  dare  for  shame  require  me  to  do  any  thing 
for  you,  in  so  much  ye  have  chased  him  out  of  your  country 
by  whom  we  were  borne  up  and  honoured.  Alas,  fair  knight, 
said  the  queen,  I  put  me  wholly  in  your  grace,  and  all  that 
is  done  amiss  I  will  amend  as  ye  will  counsel  me.  And 
therewith  she  kneeled  down  upon  both  her  knees,  and  be- 
sought Sir  Bors  to  have  mercy  upon  her:  Outher  I  shall 
have  a  shameful  death,  and  thereto  I  never  offended. 

Right  so  came  King  Arthur,  and  found  the  queen  kneel- 
ing afore  Sir  Bors ;  then  Sir  Bors  pulled  her  up,  and  said : 
Madam,  ye  do  me  great  dishonour.  Ah,  gentle  knight,  said 
the  king,  have  mercy  upon  my  queen,  courteous  knight, 
for  I  am  now  in  certain  she  is  untruly  defamed.  And  there- 


j9o     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

fore,  courteous  knight,  said  the  king,  promise  her  to  do 
battle  for  her :  I  require  you  for  the  love  of  Sir  Launcelot. 
My  lord,  said  Sir  Bors,  ye  require  me  the  greatest  thing 
that  any  man  may  require  me;  and  wit  ye  well  if  I  grant 
to  do  battle  for  the  queen  I  shall  wrath  many  of  my  fellowship 
of  the  Table  Round.  But  as  for  that,  said  Bors,  I  will  grant 
my  lord  that  for  my  lord  Sir  Launcelot's  sake,  and  for  your 
sake  I  will  at  that  day  be  the  queen's  champion,  unless  that 
there  come  by  adventure  a  better  knight  than  I  am  to  do 
battle  for  her.  Will  ye  promise  me  this,  said  the  king,  by 
your  faith  ?  Yea  sir,  said  Sir  Bors,  of  that  I  will  not  fail 
you,  nor  her  both,  but  if  there  come  a  better  knight  than  I 
am,  and  then  shall  he  have  the  battle.  Then  was  the  king 
and  the  queen  passing  glad,  and  so  departed,  and  thanked 
him  heartily. 

So  then  Sir  Bors  departed  secretly  upon  a  day,  and  rode 
unto  Sir  Launcelot,  there  as  he  was  with  the  hermit,  Sir 
Brasias,  and  told  him  of  all  their  adventure.  Ah  Jesu, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  this  is  come  happily  as  I  would  have 
it,  and  therefore  I  pray  you  make  you  ready  to  do  battle, 
but  look  that  ye  tarry  till  ye  see  me  come,  as  long  as  ye  may. 
For  I  am  sure  Mador  is  an  hot  knight  when  he  is  enchafed, 
for  the  more  ye  suffer  him  the  hastier  will  he  be  to  battle. 
Sir,  said  Bors,  let  me  deal  with  him ;  doubt  ye  not  ye  shall 
have  all  your  will.  Then  departed  Sir  Bors  from  him  and 
came  to  the  court  again.  Then  was  it  noised  in  all  the  court 
that  Sir  Bors  should  do  battle  for  the  queen ;  wherefore  many 
knights  were  displeased  with  him,  that  he  would  take  upon 
him  to  do  battle  in  the  queen's  quarrel ;  for  there  were  but 
few  knights  in  all  the  court  but  they  deemed  the  queen  was 
in  the  wrong,  and  that  she  had  done  that  treason. 


THE  QUEEN  AND   SIR   BORS  391 

HOW  AT  THE  DAY  SIR  BORS  MADE  HIM 
READY  FOR  TO  FIGHT  FOR  THE  QUEEN, 
BUT  SIR  LAUNCELOT  DISCHARGED  HIM, 
»  AND  OVERCAME  SIR  MADOR,  AND  HOW 
THE  TRUTH  WAS  KNOWN  BY  THE  DAMOSEL  OF 
THE  LAKE.  The  day  came  on  fast  that  the  battle  should 
be,  and  the  king  and  the  queen  and  all  manner  of  knights 
that  were  there  at  that  time  drew  them  unto  the  meadow 
beside  Westminster.  And  so  when  the  king  was  come  with 
the  queen  and  many  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  then  the 
queen  was  put  there  in  the  Constable's  ward,  and  a  great  fire 
made  about  an  iron  stake,  that  an  Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte 
had  the  better,  she  should  be  burnt :  such  custom  was  used 
in  those  days,  that  neither  for  favour,  neither  for  love  nor 
affinity,  there  should  be  none  other  but  righteous  judgment, 
as  well  upon  a  king  as  upon  a  knight,  and  as  well  upon  a 
queen  as  upon  another  poor  lady. 

So  in  this  meanwhile  came  in  Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte, 
and  took  his  oath  afore  the  king,  that  the  queen  did  this 
treason  until  his  cousin  Sir  Patrise,  and  unto  his  oath  he 
would  prove  it  with  his  body,  hand  for  hand,  who  that  would 
say  the  contrary.  Right  so  came  in  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis, 
and  said :  That  as  for  Queen  Guenever  she  is  in  the  right, 
and  that  will  I  make  good  with  my  hands  that  she  is  not 
culpable  of  this  treason  that  is  put  upon  her.  Then  make 
thee  ready,  said  Sir  Mador,  and  we  shall  prove  whether 
thou  be  in  the  right  or  I.  Sir  Mador,  said  Sir  Bors,  wit 
thou  well  I  know  you  for  a  good  knight.  Not  for  then  I 
shall  not  fear  you  so  greatly,  but  I  trust  to  God  I  shall  be 
able  to  withstand  your  malice.  But  thus  much  have  I 
promised  my  lord  Arthur  and  my  lady  the  queen,  that  I 


392     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

shall  do  battle  for  her  in  this  case  to  the  uttermost,  unless 
that  there  come  a  better  knight  than  I  am  and  discharge 
me.  Is  that  all  ?  said  Sir  Mador,  either  come  thou  off  and 
do  battle  with  me,  or  else  say  nay.  Take  your  horse,  said 
Sir  Bors,  and  as  I  suppose,  ye  shall  not  tarry  long  but  ye 
shall  be  answered. 

Then  either  departed  to  their  tents  and  made  them 
ready  to  horseback  as  they  thought  best.  And  anon  Sir 
Mador  came  into  the  field  with  his  shield  on  his  shoulder 
and  his  spear  in  his  hand ;  and  so  rode  about  the  place  cry- 
ing unto  Arthur :  Bid  your  champion  come  forth  an  he 
dare.  Then  was  Sir  Bors  ashamed  and  took  his  horse  and 
came  to  the  lists'  end.  And  then  was  he  ware  where  came 
from  a  wood  there  fast  by  a  knight  all  armed,  upon  a  white 
horse,  with  a  strange  shield  of  strange  arms ;  and  he  came 
riding  all  that  he  might  run,  and  so  he  came  to  Sir  Bors, 
and  said  thus :  Fair  knight,  I  pray  you  be  not  displeased, 
for  here  must  a  better  knight  than  ye  are  have  this  battle : 
therefore  I  pray  you  withdraw  you.  For  wit  ye  well  I  have 
had  this  day  a  right  great  journey,  and  this  battle  ought 
to  be  mine,  and  so  I  promised  you  when  I  spake  with  you 
last,  and  with  all  my  heart  I  thank  you  of  your  good  will. 
Then  Sir  Bors  rode  unto  King  Arthur  and  told  him  how 
there  was  a  knight  come  that  would  have  the  battle  for  to 
fight  for  the  queen.  What  knight  is  he  ?  said  the  king.  I 
wot  not,  said  Sir  Bors,  but  such  covenant  he  made  with  me 
to  be  here  this  day.  Now  my  lord,  said  Sir  Bors,  here  am  I 
discharged. 

Then  the  king  called  to  that  knight,  and  asked  him  if 
he  would  fight  for  the  queen.  Then  he  answered  to  the 
king :  Therefore  came  I  hither,  and  therefore,  sir  king,  he 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  DISCHARGED   BORS      393 

said,  tarry  me  no  longer,  for  I  may  not  tarry.  For  anon 
as  I  have  finished  this  battle  I  must  depart  hence,  for  I  have 
ado  many  matters  elsewhere.  For  wit  you  well,  said  that 
knight,  this  is  dishonour  to  you  all  knights  of  the  Round 
Table,  to  see  and  know  so  noble  a  lady  and  so  courteous 
a  queen  as  Queen  Guenever  is,  thus  to  be  rebuked  and  Ashamed 
amongst  you.  Then  they  all  marvelled  what  knight  that 
might  be  that  so  took  the  battle  upon  him.  For  there  was 
not  one  that  knew  him,  but  if  it  were  Sir  Bors. 

Then  said  Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte  unto  the  king:  Now 
let  me  wit  with  whom  I  shall  have  ado  withal.  And  then 
they  rode  to  the  lists'  end,  and  there  they  couched  their 
spears,  and  ran  together  with  all  their  might,  and  Sir  Mador's 
spear  brake  all  to  pieces,  but  the  other's  spear  held,  and 
bare  Sir  Mador's  horse  and  all  backward  to  the  earth  a  great 
fall.  But  mightily  and  suddenly  he  avoided  his  horse  and 
put  his  shield  afore  him,  and  then  drew  his  sword,  and  bade 
the  other  knight  alight  and  do  battle  with  him  on  foot.  Then 
that  knight  descended  from  his  horse  lightly  like  a  valiant 
man,  and  put  his  shield  afore  him  and  drew  his  sword ;  and 
so  they  came  eagerly  unto  battle,  and  either  gave  other 
many  great  strokes.  But  at  the  last  this  knight  smote  Sir 
Mador  grovelling  upon  the  earth,  and  the  knight  stepped 
near  him  to  have  pulled  Sir  Mador  flatling  upon  the  ground ; 
and  therewith  suddenly  Sir  Mador  arose,  and  in  his  rising 
he  smote  that  knight  through  the  thick  of  the  thighs  that 
the  blood  ran  out  fiercely.  And  when  he  felt  himself  so 
wounded,  and  saw  his  blood,  he  let  him  arise  upon  his  feet. 
And  then  he  gave  him  such  a  buffet  upon  the  helm  that  he 
fell  to  the  earth  flatling,  and  therewith  he  strode  to  him  to 
have  pulled  off  his  helm  off  his  head.  And  then  Sir  Mador 


394    OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

prayed  that  knight  to  save  his  life,  and  so  he  yielded  him 
as  overcome,  and  released  the  queen  of  his  quarrel.  I  will 
not  grant  thee  thy  life,  said  that  knight,  only  that  thou 
freely  release  the  queen  for  ever,  and  that  no  mention  be 
made  upon  Sir  Patrise's  tomb  that  ever  Queen  Guenever 
consented  to  that  treason.  All  this  shall  be  done,  said  Sir 
Mador,  I  clearly  discharge  my  quarrel  for  ever. 

Then  the  knights  parters  of  the  lists  took  up  Sir  Mador, 
and  led  him  to  his  tent,  and  the  other  knight  went  straight 
to  the  stair-foot  where  sat  King  Arthur;  and  by  that  time 
was  the  queen  come  to  the  king,  and  either  kissed  other 
heartily.  And  when  the  king  saw  that  knight,  he  stooped 
down  to  him,  and  thanked  him,  and  in  likewise  did  the 
queen ;  and  the  king  prayed  him  to  put  off  his  helmet,  and 
to  repose  him,  and  to  take  a  sop  of  wine.  And  then  he  put 
off  his  helm  to  drink,  and  then  every  knight  knew  him  that 
it  was  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  Anon  as  the  king  wist  that, 
he  took  the  queen  in  his  hand,  and  yode  unto  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  said :  Sir,  grand  merci  of  your  great  travail  that  ye 
have  had  this  day  for  me  and  for  my  queen.  My  lord,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  wit  ye  well  I  ought  of  right  ever  to  be  in  your 
quarrel,  and  in  my  lady  the  queen's  quarrel,  to  do  battle ; 
for  ye  are  the  man  that  gave  me  the  high  order  of  knight- 
hood, and  that  day  my  lady,  your  queen,  did  me  great  wor- 
ship, and  else  I  had  been  shamed ;  for  that  same  day  ye 
made  me  knight,  through  my  hastiness  I  lost  my  sword,  and 
my  lady,  your  queen,  found  it,  and  lapped  it  in  her  train, 
and  gave  me  my  sword  when  I  had  need  thereto,  and  else 
had  I  been  shamed  among  all  knights ;  and  therefore,  my 
lord  Arthur,  I  promised  her  at  that  day  ever  to  be  her  knight 
in  right  or  in  wrong.  Grand  merci,  said  the  king,  for  this 


OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  THE  QUEEN     395 

journey ;  and  wit  ye  well,  said  the  king,  I  shall  acquit  your 
goodness. 

And  ever  the  queen  beheld  Sir  Launcelot,  and  wept  so 
tenderly  that  she  sank  almost  to  the  ground  for  sorrow 
that  he  had  done  to  her  so  great  goodness,  where  she  shewed 
him  great  unkindness.  Then  the  knights  of  his  blood  drew 
unto  him,  and  there  either  of  them  made  great  joy  of  other. 
And  so  came  all  the  knights  of  the  Table  Round  that  were 
there  at  that  time,  and  welcomed  him.  And  then  Sir  Mador 
was  had  to  leech-craft,  and  Sir  Launcelot  was  healed  of  his 
wound.  And  then  there  was  made  great  joy  and  mirths 
in  that  court. 

And  so  it  befell  that  the  damosel  of  the  lake,  her  name 
was  Nimue,  the  which  wedded  the  good  knight  Sir  Pelleas, 
when  she  heard  how  the  queen  was  an-angered  for  the  death 
of  Sir  Patrise,  then  she  told  it  openly  that  she  was  never 
guilty ;  and  there  she  disclosed  by  whom  it  was  done,  and 
named  him,  Sir  Pinel ;  and  for  what  cause  he  did  it ;  and 
so  the  queen  was  excused,  and  the  knight  Pinel  fled  into 
his  country.  And  then  Sir  Mador  sued  daily  and  long,  to 
have  the  queen's  good  grace ;  and  so  by  the  means  of  Sir 
Launcelot  he  caused  him  to  stand  in  the  queen's  good  grace, 
and  all  was  forgiven. 

HOW   KING  ARTHUR   LET   CRY   A   TOURNA- 
MENT   AT    CAMELOT     OR     WINCHESTER, 
AND      HOW      SIR      LAUNCELOT,      RIDING 
THITHER,      LODGED     AT     ASTOLAT,      AND    RE- 
CEIVED   A    SLEEVE    TO    WEAR    ON    HIS    HELM 
AT  REQUEST  OF  A  MAID.    Thus  it  passed  on  till  our 
Lady    Day,    Assumption.     Within    a    fifteen    days    of   that 


396     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

feast  the  king  let  cry  a  great  jousts  and  a  tournament  that 
should  be  at  that  day  at  Camelot,  that  is  Winchester ;  and 
the  king  let  cry  that  he  and  the  King  of  Scots  would  joust 
against  all  that  would  come  against  them.  And  when  this 
cry  was  made,  thither  came  many  knights.  So  there  came 
thither  the  King  of  Northgalis,  and  King  Anguish  of  Ire- 
land, and  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights,  and  Galahad, 
the  haut  prince,  and  the  King  of  Northumberland,  and  many 
other  noble  dukes  and  earls  of  divers  countries.  So  King 
Arthur  made  him  ready  to  depart  to  these  jousts,  and  would 
have  had  the  queen  with  him ;  but  at  that  time  she  would 
not,  she  said,  for  she  was  sick  and  might  not  ride  at  that  time. 
And  many  deemed  the  queen  would  not  be  there  because  of 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake ;  for  Sir  Launcelot  would  not  ride 
with  the  king,  for  he  said  that  he  was  not  whole  of  the  wound 
the  which  Sir  Mador  had  given  him.  Wherefore  the  king 
was  heavy  and  passing  wroth.  And  so  he  departed  toward 
Winchester  with  his  fellowship ;  and  so  by  the  way  the  king 
lodged  in  a  town  called  Astolat,  that  is  now  in  English  called 
Guildford,  and  there  the  king  lay  in  the  castle. 

So  when  the  king  was  departed  the  queen  called  Sir 
Launcelot  to  her,  and  said  thus  :  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  are  greatly 
to  blame  thus  to  hold  you  behind  my  lord ;  what,  trow  ye, 
what  will  your  enemies  and  mine  say  and  deem  ?  nought 
else  but,  See  how  Sir  Launcelot  holdeth  him  ever  behind 
the  king,  and  so  doth  the  queen,  for  that  they  would  be 
together.  And  thus  will  they  say,  said  the  queen  to  Sir 
Launcelot,  have  ye  no  doubt  thereof. 

Madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  allow  your  wit ;  it  is  of  late 
come  since  ye  were  wise.  And  therefore,  madam,  at  this 
time  I  will  be  ruled  by  your  counsel,  and  this  night  I  will 


OF  THE  MAID  OF  ASTOLAT  397 

take  my  rest,  and  to-morrow  by  time  I  will  take  my  way 
toward  Winchester.  But  wit  you  well,  said  Sir  Launcelot 
to  the  queen,  that  at  that  jousts  I  will  be  against  the  king, 
and  against  all  his  fellowship.  Ye  may  there  do  as  ye  list, 
said  the  queen,  but  by  my  counsel  ye  shall  not  be  against 
your  king  and  your  fellowship.  For  therein  be  full  many 
hard  knights  of  your  blood,  as  ye  wot  well  enough,  it  needeth 
not  to  rehearse  them.  Madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  pray 
you  that  ye  be  not  displeased  with  me,  for  I  will  take  the 
adventure  that  God  will  send  me. 

And  so  upon  the  morn  early  Sir  Launcelot  heard  mass 
and  brake  his  fast,  and  so  took  his  leave  of  the  queen  and 
departed.  And  then  he  rode  so  much  until  he  came  to 
Astolat,  that  is  Guildford ;  and  there  it  happed  him  in  the 
eventide  he  came  to  an  old  baron's  place  that  hight  Sir  Ber- 
nard of  Astolat.  And  as  Sir  Launcelot  entered  into  his 
lodging,  King  Arthur  espied  him  as  he  did  walk  in  a  garden 
beside  the  castle,  how  he  took  his  lodging,  and  knew  him 
full  well.  It  is  well,  said  King  Arthur  unto  the  knights  that 
were  with  him  in  that  garden  beside  the  castle,  I  have  now 
espied  one  knight  that  will  play  his  play  at  the  jousts  to  the 
which  we  be  gone  toward ;  I  undertake  he  will  do  marvels. 
Who  is  that,  we  pray  you  tell  us  ?  said  many  knights  that 
were  there  at  that  time.  Ye  shall  not  wit  for  me,  said  the 
king,  as  at  this  time.  And  so  the  king  smiled,  and  went  to 
his  lodging. 

So  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  in  his  lodging,  and  unarmed 
him  in  his  chamber,  the  old  baron  came  to  him  making  his 
reverence,  and  welcomed  him  in  the  best  manner;  but  the 
old  knight  knew  not  Sir  Launcelot.  Fair  sir,  said  Sir  Laun- 
celot to  his  host,  I  would  pray  you  to  lend  me  a  shield  that 


398     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

were  not  openly  known,  for  mine  is  well  known.  Sir,  said 
his  host,  ye  shall  have  your  desire,  for  meseemeth  ye  be  one 
of  the  likeliest  knights  of  the  world,  and  therefore  I  shall 
shew  you  friendship.  Sir,  wit  you  well  I  have  two  sons  that 
were  but  late  made  knights,  and  the  eldest  hight  Sir  Tirre, 
and  he  was  hurt  that  same  day  he  was  made  knight,  that  he 
may  not  ride,  and  his  shield  ye  shall  have ;  for  that  is  not 
known  I  dare  say  but  here,  and  in  no  place  else.  And  my 
youngest  son  hight  Lavaine,  and  if  it  please  you,  he  shall 
ride  with  you  unto  that  jousts,  and  he  is  of  his  age  strong 
and  wight ;  for  much  my  heart  giveth  unto  you  that  ye  should 
be  a  noble  knight,  therefore  I  pray  you,  tell  me  your  name, 
said  Sir  Bernard.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  must 
hold  me  excused  as  at  this  time,  and  if  God  give  me  grace 
to  speed  well  at  the  jousts  I  shall  come  again  and  tell  you. 
But  I  pray  you,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  in  any  wise  let  me  have 
your  son,  Sir  Lavaine,  with  me,  and  that  I  may  have  his 
brother's  shield.  All  this  shall  be  done,  said  Sir  Bernard. 

This  old  baron  had  a  daughter  that  was  called  that  time 
the  Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat.  And  ever  she  beheld  Sir  Launce- 
lot wonderfully,  and  her  name  was  Elaine  le  Blank.  So 
thus  as  she  came  to  and  fro  she  was  so  hot  in  her  love  that 
she  besought  Sir  Launcelot  to  wear  upon  him  at  the  jousts 
a  token  of  hers.  Fair  damosel,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  an  if 
I  grant  you  that,  ye  may  say  I  do  more  for  your  love  than 
ever  I  did  for  lady  or  damosel.  Then  he  remembered  him 
he  would  go  to  the  jousts  disguised.  And  because  he  had 
never  before  that  time  borne  no  manner  of  token  of  no  dam- 
osel, then  he  bethought  him  that  he  would  bare  one  of  her, 
that  none  of  his  blood  thereby  might  know  him,  and  then 
he  said :  Fair  maiden,  I  will  grant  you  to  wear  a  token  of 


OF  THE  TOURNEY  AT  WINCHESTER       399 

yours  upon  mine  helmet,  and  therefore  what  it  is,  shew  it 
me.  Sir,  she  said,  it  is  a  red  sleeve  of  mine,  of  scarlet,  well 
embroidered  with  great  pearls :  and  so  she  brought  it  him. 
So  Sir  Launcelot  received  it,  and  said :  Never  did  I  erst  so 
much  for  no  damosel.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  betook 
the  fair  maiden  his  shield  in  keeping,  and  prayed  her  to 
keep  that  until  that  he  came  again ;  and  so  that  night  he  had 
merry  rest  and  great  cheer,  for  ever  the  damosel  Elaine  was 
about  Sir  Launcelot  all  the  while  she  might  be  suffered. 

OF  THE  TOURNEY    AT   WINCHESTER, 
AND  HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS   SORE 
WOUNDED.     So   upon  a  day,   on  the    morn, 
King  Arthur  and  all  his  knights  departed,  for  the 
king  had  tarried  there  three  days  to  abide  his 
noble    knights.     And   so    when    the    king  was 
ridden,  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Lavaine  made  them  ready  to 
ride,  and  either  of  them  had  white  shields,  and  the  red  sleeve 
Sir  Launcelot  let  carry  with  him.     And  so  they  took  their 
leave  at  Sir  Bernard,  the  old  baron,  and  at  his  daughter, 
the  Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat.     And  then  they  rode  so  long 
till  that  they  came  to  Camelot,  that  time  called  Winchester ; 
and  there  was  great  press  of  kings,  dukes,  earls,  and  barons, 
and    many    noble    knights.     But    there    Sir    Launcelot    was 
lodged  privily  by  the  means  of  Sir  Lavaine  with  a  rich  bur- 
gess, that  no  man  in  that  town  was  ware  what  they  were. 
And  so  they  reposed  them  there  till  our  Lady  Day,  Assump- 
tion, as  the  great  feast  should  be.     So  then  trumpets  blew 
unto  the  field,  and    King  Arthur  was  set  on  high   upon   a 
scaffold  to  behold  who  did  best.     But,  as  the  French  book 
saith,  King  Arthur  would  not  suffer  Sir  Gawaine  to  go  from 


400     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

him ;  for  never  had  Sir  Gawaine  the  better,  an  Sir  Launcelot 
were  in  the  field ;  and  many  times  was  Sir  Gawaine  rebuked 
when  Launcelot  came  into  any  jousts  disguised. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Lavaine  came  in  at  the  thick- 
est of  the  press,  and  there  Sir  Launcelot  smote  down  Sir 
Brandiles,  Sir  Sagramore,  Sir  Dodinas,  Sir  Kay,  Sir  Griflet, 
and  all  this  he  did  with  one  spear ;  and  Sir  Lavaine  smote 
down  Sir  Lucan  de  Butler  and  Sir  Bedevere.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  gat  another  spear,  and  there  he  smote  down 
Sir  Agravaine,  Sir  Gaheris,  and  Sir  Mordred,  and  Sir  Meliot 
de  Logris ;  and  Sir  Lavaine  smote  Ozanna  le  Cure  Hardy. 
And  then  Sir  Launcelot  drew  his  sword,  and  there  he  smote 
on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  hand,  and  by  great  force 
he  unhorsed  Sir  Safere,  Sir  Epinogris,  and  Sir  Galleron; 
and  then  the  knights  of  the  Table  Round  withdrew  them 
aback,  after  they  had  gotten  their  horses  as  well  as  they 
might.  What  knight  is  yonder,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  that  doth 
so  marvellous  deeds  of  arms  in  that  field  ?  I  wot  well  what 
he  is,  said  King  Arthur,  but  as  at  this  time  I  will  not  name 
him.  Sir,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  would  say  it  were  Sir  Launce- 
lot by  his  riding  and  his  buffets  that  I  see  him  deal,  but  ever 
meseemeth  it  should  not  be  he,  for  that  he  beareth  the  red 
sleeve  upon  his  head ;  for  I  wist  him  never  bear  token  at 
no  jousts,  of  lady  nor  gentlewoman.  Let  him  be,  said  King 
Arthur,  he  will  be  better  known,  and  do  more,  or  ever  he 
depart. 

Then  the  party  that  was  against  King  Arthur  were  well 
comforted,  and  then  they  held  them  together  that  before- 
hand were  sore  rebuked.  Then  Sir  Bors,  Sir  Ector  de  Maris, 
and  Sir  Lionel  called  unto  them  the  knights  of  their  blood, 
as  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis,  Sir  Bleoberis,  Sir  Aliduke,  Sir  Gali- 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT'S   WOUND  401 

hud,  Sir  Galihodin,  Sir  Bellangere  le  Beuse.  So  these  nine 
knights  of  Sir  Launcelot's  kin  thrust  in  mightily,  for  they 
were  all  noble  knights ;  and  they,  of  great  hate  and  despite 
that  they  had  unto  him,  thought  to  rebuke  that  noble  knight 
Sir  Launcelot,  and  Sir  Lavaine,  for  they  knew  them  not ; 
and  so  they  came  hurling  together,  and  smote  down  many 
knights  of  Northgalis  and  of  Northumberland.  And  when 
Sir  Launcelot  saw  them  fare  so,  he  gat  a  spear  in  his  hand ; 
and  there  encountered  with  him  all  at  once  Sir  Bors,  Sir 
Ector,  and  Sir  Lionel,  and  all  they  three  smote  him  at  once 
with  their  spears.  And  with  force  of  themselves  they  smote 
Sir  Launcelot's  horse  to  the  earth ;  and  by  misfortune  Sir 
Bors  smote  Sir  Launcelot  through  the  shield  into  the  side, 
and  the  spear  brake,  and  the  head  left  still  in  his  side. 

When  Sir  Lavaine  saw  his  master  lie  on  the  ground,  he 
ran  to  the  King  of  Scots  and  smote  him  to  the  earth ;  and  by 
great  force  he  took  his  horse,  and  brought  him  to  Sir  Launce- 
lot, and  maugre  of  them  all  he  made  him  to  mount  upon 
that  horse.  And  then  Launcelot  gat  a  spear  in  his  hand, 
and  there  he  smote  Sir  Bors,  horse  and  man,  to  the  earth. 
In  the  same  wise  he  served  Sir  Ector  and  Sir  Lionel ;  and 
Sir  Lavaine  smote  down  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis.  And  there 
Sir  Launcelot  with  his  sword  smote  down  and  pulled  down, 
as  the  French  book  maketh  mention,  mo  than  thirty  knights, 
and  the  most  part  were  of  the  Table  Round  ;  and  Sir  Lavaine 
did  full  well  that  day,  for  he  smote  down  ten  knights  of  the 
Table  Round. 

Mercy,  said  Sir  Gawaine  to  Arthur,  I  marvel  what  knight 
that  he  is  with  the  red  sleeve.  Sir,  said  King  Arthur,  he 
will  be  known  or  he  depart.  And  then  the  king  blew  unto 
lodging,  and  the  prize  was  given  by  heralds  unto  the  knight 

2D 


402     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

with  the  white  shield  that  bare  the  red  sleeve.  Then  came 
the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights,  the  King  of  Northgalis, 
and  the  King  of  Northumberland,  and  Sir  Galahad,  the 
haut  prince,  and  said  unto  Sir  Launcelot :  Fair  knight,  God 
bless  thee,  for  much  have  ye  done  this  day  for  us,  therefore 
we  pray  you  that  ye  will  come  with  us  that  ye  may  receive 
the  honour  and  the  prize  as  ye  have  worshipfully  deserved  it. 
My  fair  lords,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  wit  you  well  if  I  have  de- 
served thanks  I  have  sore  bought  it,  and  that  me  repenteth, 
for  I  am  like  never  to  escape  with  my  life  ;  therefore,  fair  lords, 
I  pray  you  that  ye  will  suffer  me  to  depart  where  me  liketh, 
for  I  am  sore  hurt.  I  take  none  force  of  none  honour,  for  I 
had  liefer  to  repose  me  than  to  be  lord  of  all  the  world.  And 
therewithal  he  groaned  piteously,  and  rode  a  great  wallop 
away-ward  from  them  until  he  came  under  a  wood's  side. 

And  when  he  saw  that  he  was  from  the  field  nigh  a  mile, 
that  he  was  sure  he  might  not  be  seen,  then  he  said  with  an 
high  voice :  O  gentle  knight,  Sir  Lavaine,  help  me  that 
this  truncheon  were  out  of  my  side,  for  it  sticketh  so  sore 
that  it  nigh  slayeth  me.  O  mine  own  lord,  said  Sir  Lavaine, 
I  would  fain  do  that  might  please  you,  but  I  dread  me  sore 
an  I  pull  out  the  truncheon  that  ye  shall  be  in  peril  of  death. 
I  charge  you,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  as  ye  love  me,  draw  it  out. 
And  therewithal  he  descended  from  his  horse,  and  right  so  did 
Sir  Lavaine ;  and  forthwithal  Sir  Lavaine  drew  the  trun- 
cheon out  of  his  side,  and  he  gave  a  great  shriek  and  a  mar- 
vellous grisly  groan,  and  the  blood  brast  out  nigh  a  pint  at 
once,  that  at  the  last  he  sank  down,  and  so  swooned  pale  and 
deadly.  Alas,  said  Sir  Lavaine,  what  shall  I  do  ?  And  then 
he  turned  Sir  Launcelot  into  the  wind,  but  so  he  lay  there 
nigh  half  an  hour  as  he  had  been  dead. 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS   HEALED       403 

And  so  at  the  last  Sir  Launcelot  cast  up  his  eyes,  and 
said :  O  Lavaine,  help  me  that  I  were  on  my  horse,  for  here 
is  fast  by  within  this  two  mile  a  gentle  hermit  that  some- 
time was  a  full  noble  knight  and  a  great  lord  of  possessions. 
And  for  great  goodness  he  hath  taken  him  to  wilful  poverty, 
and  forsaken  many  lands,  and  his  name  is  Sir  Baudwin  of 
Brittany,  and  he  is  a  full  noble  surgeon  and  a  good  leech. 
Now  let  see,  help  me  up  that  I  were  there  ;  for  ever  my  heart 
giveth  me  that  I  shall  never  die  of  my  cousin-germain's  hands. 
And  then  with  great  pain  Sir  Lavaine  halp  him  upon  his  horse. 
And  then  they  rode  a  great  wallop  together,  and  ever  Sir 
Launcelot  bled  that  it  ran  down  to  the  earth ;  and  so  by 
fortune  they  came  to  that  hermitage,  the  which  was  under  a 
wood,  and  a  great  cliff  on  the  other  side,  and  a  fair  water 
running  under  it.  And  then  Sir  Lavaine  beat  on  the  gate 
with  the  butt  of  his  spear,  and  cried  fast :  Let  in  for  Jesu's 
sake. 

And  there  came  a  fair  child  to  them,  and  asked  them 
what  they  would.  Fair  son,  said  Sir  Lavaine,  go  and  pray 
thy  lord,  the  hermit,  for  God's  sake  to  let  in  here  a  knight 
that  is  full  sore  wounded ;  and  this  day,  tell  thy  lord,  I  saw 
him  do  more  deeds  of  arms  than  ever  I  heard  say  that  any 
man  did.  So  the  child  went  in  lightly,  and  then  he  brought 
the  hermit,  the  which  was  a  passing  good  man.  When  Sir 
Lavaine  saw  him  he  prayed  him  for  God's  sake  of  succour. 
What  knight  is  he  ?  said  the  hermit.  Is  he  of  the  house 
of  King  Arthur,  or  not  ?  I  wot  not,  said  Sir  Lavaine,  what 
is  he,  nor  what  is  his  name,  but  well  I  wot  I  saw  him  do  mar- 
vellously this  day  as  of  deeds  of  arms.  On  whose  party 
was  he  ?  said  the  hermit.  Sir,  said  Sir  Lavaine,  he  was  this 
day  against  King  Arthur,  and  there  he  won  the  prize  of  all 


404     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

the  knights  of  the  Round  Table.  I  have  seen  the  day,  said 
the  hermit,  I  would  have  loved  him  the  worse  because  he 
was  against  my  lord,  King  Arthur,  for  sometime  I  was  one 
of  the  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table,  but  I  thank  God  now 
I  am  otherwise  disposed.  But  where  is  he  ?  let  me  see 
him.  Then  Sir  Lavaine  brought  the  hermit  to  him. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  BROUGHT  TO 
AN  HERMIT  FOR  TO  BE  HEALED,  AND 
HOW  IT  BECAME  KNOWN  THAT  IT  WAS 
HE  THAT  BARE  THE  RED  SLEEVE,  AND  OF 
THE  ANGER  OF  THE  QUEEN.  And  when  the  hermit 
beheld  him,  as  he  sat  leaning  upon  his  saddle-bow  ever  bleed- 
ing piteously,  and  ever  the  knight-hermit  thought  that  he 
should  know  him,  but  he  could  not  bring  him  to  knowledge 
because  he  was  so  pale  for  bleeding.  What  knight  are  ye, 
said  the  hermit,  and  where  were  ye  born  ?  My  fair  lord, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  am  a  stranger  and  a  knight  adven- 
turous, that  laboureth  throughout  many  realms  for  to 
win  worship.  Then  the  hermit  advised  him  better,  and 
saw  by  a  wound  on  his  cheek  that  he  was  Sir  Launcelot. 
Alas,  said  the  hermit,  mine  own  lord  why  hide  you  your 
name  from  me  ?  Forsooth  I  ought  to  know  you  of  right, 
for  ye  are  the  most  noblest  knight  of  the  world,  for  well  I 
know  you  for  Sir  Launcelot.  Sir,  said  he,  sith  ye  know  me, 
help  me  an  ye  may,  for  God's  sake,  for  I  would  be  out  of 
this  pain  at  once,  either  to  death  or  to  life.  Have  ye  no 
doubt,  said  the  hermit,  ye  shall  live  and  fare  right  well.  And 
so  the  hermit  called  to  him  two  of  his  servants,  and  so  he 
and  his  servants  bare  him  into  the  hermitage,  and  lightly 
unarmed  him,  and  laid  him  in  his  bed.  And  then  anon 


OF  SIR  GAWAINE  AT  ASTOLAT  405 

the  hermit  staunched  his  blood,  and  made  him  to  drink 
good  wine,  so  that  Sir  Launcelot  was  well  refreshed  and  knew 
himself;  for  in  those  days  it  was  not  the  guise  of  hermits 
as  is  nowadays,  for  there  were  none  hermits  in  those  days 
but  that  they  had  been  men  of  worship  and  of  prowess  ;  and 
those  hermits  held  great  household,  and  refreshed  people 
that  were  in  distress. 

Now  turn  we  unto  King  Arthur,  and  leave  we  Sir  Launce- 
lot in  the  hermitage.  So  when  the  kings  were  come  together 
on  both  parties,  and  the  great  feast  should  be  holden,  King 
Arthur  asked  the  King  of  Northgalis  and  their  fellowship, 
where  was  that  knight  that  bare  the  red  sleeve :  Bring  him 
afore  me  that  he  may  have  his  laud,  and  honour,  and  the 
prize,  as  it  is  right.  Then  spake  Sir  Galahad,  the  haut 
prince,  and  the  King  with  the  Hundred  Knights :  We  sup- 
pose that  knight  is  mischieved,  and  that  he  is  never  like 
to  see  you  nor  none  of  us  all,  and  that  is  the  greatest  pity 
that  ever  we  wist  of  any  knight.  Alas,  said  Arthur,  how 
may  this  be  ?  is  he  so  hurt  ?  What  is  his  name  ?  said  King 
Arthur.  Truly,  said  they  all,  we  know  not  his  name,  nor 
from  whence  he  came,  nor  whither  he  would.  Alas,  said 
the  king,  these  be  to  me  the  worst  tidings  that  came  to  me 
this  seven  year,  for  I  would  not  for  all  the  lands  I  wield  to 
know  and  wit  it  were  so  that  that  noble  knight  were  slain. 
Know  ye  him  ?  said  they  all.  As  for  that,  said  Arthur, 
whether  I  know  him  or  know  him  not,  ye  shall  not  know 
for  me  what  man  he  is,  but  Almighty  Jesu  send  me  good 
tidings  of  him.  And  so  said  they  all.  By  my  head,  said 
Sir  Gawaine,  if  it  so  be  that  the  good  knight  be  so  sore  hurt, 
it  is  great  damage  and  pity  to  all  this  land,  for  he  is  one  of 
the  noblest  knights  that  ever  I  saw  in  a  field  handle  a  spear 


406     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

or  a  sword ;  and  if  he  may  be  found  I  shall  find  him,  for  I 
am  sure  he  nis  not  far  from  this  town. 

Right  so  Sir  Gawaine  took  a  squire  with  him  upon  hack- 
neys, and  rode  all  about  Camelot  within  six  or  seven  mile, 
but  so  he  came  again  and  could  hear  no  word  of  him.  Then 
within  two  days  King  Arthur  and  all  the  fellowship  returned 
unto  London  again.  And  so  as  they  rode  by  the  way  it 
happed  Sir  Gawaine  at  Astolat  to  lodge  with  Sir  Bernard 
thereas  was  Sir  Launcelot  lodged.  And  so  as  Sir  Gawaine 
was  in  his  chamber  to  repose  him,  Sir  Bernard,  the  old  baron, 
came  unto  him,  and  his  daughter  Elaine,  to  cheer  him  and 
to  ask  him  what  tidings,  and  who  did  best  at  that  tournament 
of  Winchester.  So  God  me  help,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  there 
were  two  knights  that  bare  two  white  shields,  but  the  one 
of  them  bare  a  red  sleeve  upon  his  head,  and  certainly  he  was 
one  of  the  best  knights  that  ever  I  saw  joust  in  field.  For 
I  dare  say,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  that  one  knight  with  the  red 
sleeve  smote  down  forty  knights  of  the  Table  Round,  and 
his  fellow  did  right  well  and  worshipfully.  Now  blessed 
be  God,  said  the  Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat,  that  that  knight 
sped  so  well,  for  he  is  the  man  in  the  world  that  I  first  loved, 
and  truly  he  shall  be  last  that  ever  I  shall  love.  Now,  fair 
maid,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  is  that  good  knight  your  love  ?  Cer- 
tainly sir,  said  she,  wit  ye  well  he  is  my  love.  Then  know 
ye  his  name  ?  said  Sir  Gawaine.  Nay  truly,  said  the  damosel, 
I  know  not  his  name  nor  from  whence  he  cometh,  but  to 
say  that  I  love  him,  I  promise  you  and  God  that  I  love  him. 
How  had  ye  knowledge  of  him  first  ?  said  Sir  Gawaine. 

Then  she  told  him  as  ye  have  heard  to-fore,  and  how  her 
father  betook  him  her  brother  to  do  him  service,  and  how 
her  father  lent  him  her  brother's,  Sir  Tirre's,  shield :  And 


OF  SIR  GAWAINE  AT  ASTOLAT  407 

here  with  me  he  left  his  own  shield.  For  what  cause  did 
he  so  ?  said  Sir  Gawaine.  For  this  cause,  said  the  damosel, 
for  his  shield  was  too  well  known  among  many  noble  knights. 
Ah,  fair  damosel,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  please  it  you  let  me  have 
a  sight  of  that  shield.  Sir,  said  she,  it  is  in  my  chamber, 
covered  with  a  case,  and  if  ye  will  come  with  me  ye  shall  see 
it.  Not  so,  said  Sir  Bernard  to  his  daughter,  let  send  for  it. 

So  when  the  shield  was  come,  Sir  Gawaine  took  off  the 
case,  and  when  he  beheld  that  shield  he  knew  anon  that  it 
was  Sir  Launcelot's  shield,  and  his  own  arms.  Ah  Jesu 
mercy,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  now  is  my  heart  more  heavier 
than  ever  it  was  to-fore.  Why  ?  said  Elaine.  For  I  have 
great  cause,  said  Sir  Gawaine.  Is  that  knight  that  oweth 
this  shield  your  love  ?  Yea  truly,  said  she,  my  love  he  is ; 
God  would  I  were  his  love.  So  God  me  speed,  said  Sir  Ga- 
waine, fair  damosel  ye  have  right,  for  an  he  be  your  love 
ye  love  the  most  honourable  knight  of  the  world,  and  the 
man  of  most  worship.  But  I  dread  me,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
that  ye  shall  never  see  him  in  this  world,  and  that  is  great 
pity  that  ever  was  of  earthly  knight.  Alas,  said  she,  how 
may  this  be,  is  he  slain  ?  I  say  not  so,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
but  wit  ye  well  he  is  grievously  wounded,  by  all  manner 
of  signs,  and  by  men's  sight  more  likelier  to  be  dead  than 
to  be  alive  ;  and  wit  ye  well  he  is  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  for  by  this  shield  I  know  him.  Alas,  said  the  Fair  Maiden 
of  Astolat,  how  may  this  be,  and  what  was  his  hurt  ?  Truly, 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  the  man  in  the  world  that  loved  him  best 
hurt  him  so  ;  and  I  dare  say,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  an  that  knight 
that  hurt  him  knew  the  very  certainty  that  he  had  hurt 
Sir  Launcelot,  it  would  be  the  most  sorrow  that  ever  came 
to  his  heart. 


4o8     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

Now  fair  father,  said  then  Elaine,  I  require  you  give 
me  leave  to  ride  and  to  seek  him,  or  else  I  wot  well  I  shall 
go  out  of  my  mind,  for  I  shall  never  stint  till  that  I  find  him 
and  my  brother,  Sir  Lavaine.  Do  as  it  liketh  you,  said  her 
father,  for  me  sore  repenteth  of  the  hurt  of  that  noble  knight. 
Right  so  the  maid  made  her  ready,  and  before  Sir  Gawaine, 
making  great  dole. 

Then  on  the  morn  Sir  Gawaine  came  to  King  Arthur, 
and  told  him  how  he  had  found  Sir  Launcelot's  shield  in 
the  keeping  of  the  Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat.  So  the  king 
and  all  came  to  London,  and  there  Sir  Gawaine  openly  dis- 
closed to  all  the  court  that  it  was  Sir  Launcelot  that  jousted 
best. 

And  when  Sir  Bors  heard  that,  wit  ye  well  he  was  an 
heavy  man,  and  so  were  all  his  kinsmen.  But  when  Queen 
Guenever  wist  that  Sir  Launcelot  bare  the  red  sleeve  of  the 
Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat  she  was  nigh  out  of  her  mind  for 
wrath.  And  then  she  sent  for  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis  in  all  the 
haste  that  might  be.  So  when  Sir  Bors  was  come  to-fore 
the  queen,  then  she  said :  Ah,  Sir  Bors,  have  ye  heard  say 
how  falsely  Sir  Launcelot  hath  betrayed  me  ?  Alas  madam, 
said  Sir  Bors,  I  am  afeard  he  hath  betrayed  himself  and  us 
all.  No  force,  said  the  queen,  though  he  be  destroyed,  for  he 
is  a  false  traitor-knight.  Madam,  said  Sir  Bors,  I  pray  you 
say  ye  not  so,  for  wit  you  well  I  may  not  hear  such  language 
of  him.  Why,  Sir  Bors,  said  she,  should  I  not  call  him  traitor 
when  he  bare  the  red  sleeve  upon  his  head  at  Winchester, 
at  the  great  jousts  ?  Madam,  said  Sir  Bors,  that  sleeve- 
bearing  repenteth  me  sore,  but  I  dare  say  he  did  it  to  none 
evil  intent,  but  for  this  cause  he  bare  the  red  sleeve  that 
none  of  his  blood  should  know  him.  For  ere  then  we,  nor 


LAUNCELOT   AND    THE    MAID    OF    ASTOLAT    409 

none  of  us  all,  never  knew  that  ever  he  bare  token  or  sign  of 
maid,  lady,  ne  gentlewoman.  Fie  on  him,  said  the  queen, 
for  I  heard  Sir  Gawaine  say  before  my  lord  Arthur  that  it 
were  marvel  to  tell  the  great  love  that  is  between  the  Fair 
Maiden  of  Astolat  and  him.  Madam,  said  Sir  Bors,  I  may 
not  warn  Sir  Gawaine  to  say  what  it  pleased  him;  but  I 
dare  say,  as  for  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  that  he  loveth  no 
lady,  gentlewoman,  nor  maid,  but  all  he  loveth  in  like  much. 
And  therefore  madam,  said  Sir  Bors,  ye  may  say  what  ye 
will,  but  wit  ye  well  I  will  haste  me  to  seek  him,  and  find 
him  wheresomever  he  be,  and  God  send  me  good  tidings  of 
him.  And  so  leave  we  them  there,  and  speak  we  of  Sir  Launce- 
lot that  lay  in  great  peril. 

HOW  THE  MAIDEN  ELAINE 
DID  ATTENDANCE  UNTO  SIR 
LAUNCELOT,  AND  OF  HER 
LAMENTATION  THAT  HE 
SHOULD  DEPART,  AND  HOW 
SHE  DIED  FOR  HIS  LOVE,  AND  HOW  HER  BODY 
WAS  BROUGHT  TO  THE  COURT  AND  OF  HER 
BURYING.  So  as  fair  Elaine  came  to  Winchester  she 
sought  there  all  about,  and  by  fortune  Sir  Lavaine  was  ridden 
to  play  him,  to  enchafe  his  horse.  And  anon  as  Elaine 
saw  him  she  knew  him,  and  then  she  cried  aloud  unto  him. 
And  when  he  heard  her  anon  he  came  to  her,  and  then  she 
asked  her  brother  how  did  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot.  Who 
told  you,  sister,  that  my  lord's  name  was  Sir  Launcelot  ? 
Then  she  told  him  how  Sir  Gawaine  by  his  shield  knew  him. 
So  they  rode  together  till  that  they  came  to  the  hermitage, 
and  anon  she  alighted. 


4io    OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

So  Sir  Lavaine  brought  her  in  to  Sir  Launcelot ;  and 
when  she  saw  him  lie  so  sick  and  pale  in  his  bed  she  might 
not  speak,  but  suddenly  she  fell  to  the  earth  down  suddenly 
in  a  swoon,  and  there  she  lay  a  great  while.  And  when 
she  was  relieved,  she  shrieked  and  said  :  My  lord,  Sir  Launce- 
lot, alas  why  be  ye  in  this  plight  ?  and  then  she  swooned 
again.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  prayed  Sir  Lavaine  to  take 
her  up :  And  bring  her  to  me.  And  when  she  came  to  her- 
self Sir  Launcelot  kissed  her,  and  said :  Fair  maiden,  why 
fare  ye  thus  ?  ye  put  me  to  pain ;  wherefore  make  ye  no 
more  such  cheer,  for  an  ye  be  come  to  comfort  me  ye  be 
right  welcome ;  and  of  this  little  hurt  that  I  have  I  shall 
be  right  hastily  whole  by  the  grace  of  God.  But  I  marvel, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  who  told  you  my  name  ?  Then  the  fair 
maiden  told  him  all  how  Sir  Gawaine  was  lodged  with  her 
father :  And  there  by  your  shield  he  discovered  your  name. 
Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  me  repenteth  that  my  name 
is  known,  for  I  am  sure  it  will  turn  unto  anger.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  compassed  in  his  mind  that  Sir  Gawaine  would 
tell  Queen  Guenever  how  he  bare  the  red  sleeve,  and  for 
whom ;  that  he  wist  well  would  turn  into  great  anger. 

So  this  maiden  Elaine  never  went  from  Sir  Launcelot, 
but  watched  him  day  and  night,  and  did  such  attendance 
to  him,  that  the  French  book  saith  there  was  never  woman 
did  more  kindlier  for  man  than  she.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot 
was  big  and  strong  again. 

So  then  they  made  them  ready  to  depart  from  the  hermit. 
And  so  upon  a  morn  they  took  their  horses  and  Elaine  le 
Blank  with  them;  and  when  they  came  to  Astolat  there 
were  they  well  lodged,  and  had  great  cheer  of  Sir  Bernard, 
the  old  baron,  and  of  Sir  Tirre,  his  son.  And  so  upon  the 


LAUNCELOT  AND  THE  MAID  OF  ASTOLAT    411 

morn  when  Sir  Launcelot  should  depart,  fair  Elaine  brought 
her  father  with  her,  and  Sir  Lavaine,  and  Sir  Tirre,  and  thus 
she  said : 

My  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  now  I  see  ye  will  depart ;  now 
fair  knight  and  courteous  knight,  have  mercy  upon  me, 
and  suffer  me  not  to  die  for  thy  love.  What  would  ye  that 
I  did  ?  said  Sir  Launcelot.  I  would  have  you  to  my  husband, 
said  Elaine.  Fair  damosel,  I  thank  you,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
but  truly,  said  he,  I  cast  me  never  to  be  wedded  man.  Then, 
fair  knight,  said  she,  will  ye  be  my  lover  ?  Jesu  defend 
me,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  then  I  rewarded  your  father 
and  your  brother  full  evil  for  their  great  goodness.  Alas, 
said  she,  then  must  I  die  for  your  love.  Ye  shall  not  so, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  wit  ye  well,  fair  maiden,  I  might 
have  been  married  an  I  had  would,  but  I  never  applied  me 
to  be  married  yet ;  but  because,  fair  damosel,  that  ye  love 
me  as  ye  say  ye  do,  I  will  for  your  good  will  and  kindness 
show  you  some  goodness,  and  that  is  this,  that  wheresomever 
ye  will  beset  your  heart  upon  some  good  knight  that  will 
wed  you,  I  shall  give  you  together  a  thousand  pound  yearly 
to  you  and  to  your  heirs ;  thus  much  will  I  give  you,  fair 
madam,  for  your  kindness,  and  always  while  I  live  to  be 
your  own  knight.  Of  all  this,  said  the  maiden,  I  will  none, 
for  but  if  ye  will  wed  me,  or  else  be  my  lover  at  the  least, 
wit  you  well,  Sir  Launcelot,  my  good  days  are  done.  Fair 
damosel,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  of  these  two  things  ye  must 
pardon  me. 

Then  she  shrieked  shrilly,  and  fell  down  in  a  swoon ; 
and  then  women  bare  her  into  her  chamber,  and  there  she 
made  overmuch  sorrow;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  would 
depart,  and  there  he  asked  Sir  Lavaine  what  he  would  do. 


4i2     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

What  should  I  do,  said  Sir  Lavaine,  but  follow  you,  but 
if  ye  drive  me  from  you,  or  command  me  to  go  from  you. 
Then  came  Sir  Bernard  to  Sir  Launcelot  and  said  to  him : 
I  cannot  see  but  that  my  daughter  Elaine  will  die  for  your 
sake.  Father,  said  Sir  Lavaine,  she  doth  as  I  do,  for  sithen 
I  first  saw  my  lord  Sir  Launcelot,  I  could  never  depart  from 
him,  nor  nought  I  will  an  I  may  follow  him. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  took  his  leave,  and  so  they  departed, 
and  came  unto  Winchester.  And  when  Arthur  wist  that 
Sir  Launcelot  was  come  whole  and  sound  the  king  made 
great  joy  of  him,  and  so  did  Sir  Gawaine  and  all  the  knights 
of  the  Round  Table  except  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred. 
Also  Queen  Guenever  was  wood  wroth  with  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  would  by  no  means  speak  with  him,  but  estranged  her- 
self from  him ;  and  Sir  Launcelot  made  all  the  means  that 
he  might  for  to  speak  with  the  queen,  but  it  would  not  be. 

Now  speak  we  of  the  Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat  that  made 
such  sorrow  day  and  night  that  she  never  slept,  ate,  nor 
drank,  and  ever  she  made  her  complaint  unto  Sir  Launcelot. 
So  when  she  had  thus  endured  a  ten  days,  that  she  feebled 
so  that  she  must  needs  pass  out  of  this  world,  then  she  shrived 
her  clean,  and  received  her  Creator.  And  ever  she  com- 
plained still  upon  Sir  Launcelot.  Then  her  ghostly  father 
bade  her  leave  such  thoughts.  Then  she  said,  why  should 
I  leave  such  thoughts  ?  An  I  not  an  earthly  woman  ?  And 
all  the  while  the  breath  is  in  my  body  I  may  complain  me, 
for  my  belief  is  I  do  none  offence  though  I  love  an  earthly 
man ;  and  I  take  God  to  my  record  I  loved  never  none  but 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  nor  never  shall,  and  a  clean  maiden 
I  am  for  him  and  for  all  other ;  and  sithen  it  is  the  sufferance 
of  God  that  I  shall  die  for  the  love  of  so  noble  a  knight,  I 


HOW  THE  MAID  OF  ASTOLAT  DIED        413 

beseech  the  High  Father  of  Heaven  to  have  mercy  upon 
my  soul,  and  that  mine  innumerable  pains  that  I  suffered 
may  be  allegiance  of  part  of  my  sins.  For  sweet  Lord  Jesu, 
said  the  fair  maiden,  I  take  thee  to  record,  on  thee  I  was  never 
great  offencer  against  thy  laws ;  but  that  I  loved  this  noble 
knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  out  of  measure,  and  of  myself,  good 
Lord,  I  might  not  withstand  the  fervent  love  wherefore  I 
have  my  death. 

And  then  she  called  her  father,  Sir  Bernard,  and  her 
brother,  Sir  Tirre,  and  heartily  she  prayed  her  father  that 
her  brother  might  write  a  letter  like  as  she  did  indite  it: 
and  so  her  father  granted  her.  And  when  the  letter  was 
written  word  by  word  like  as  she  devised,  then  she  prayed 
her  father  that  she  might  be  watched  until  she  were  dead. 
And  while  my  body  is  hot  let  this  letter  be  put  in  my  right 
hand,  and  my  hand  bound  fast  with  the  letter  until  that  I 
be  cold ;  and  let  me  be  put  in  a  fair  bed  with  all  the  richest 
clothes  that  I  have  about  me,  and  so  let  my  bed  and  all  my 
richest  clothes  be  laid  with  me  in  a  chariot  unto  the  next 
place  where  Thames  is ;  and  there  let  me  be  put  within  a 
barget,  and  but  one  man  with  me,  such  as  ye  trust  to  steer 
me  thither,  and  that  my  barget  be  covered  with  black  samite 
over  and  over :  thus  father  I  beseech  you  let  it  be  done. 
So  her  father  granted  it  her  faithfully,  all  things  should  be 
done  like  as  she  had  devised.  Then  her  father  and  her 
brother  made  great  dole,  for  when  this  was  done  anon  she 
died.  And  so  the  corpse  and  the  bed  were  borne  the  next 
way  unto  Thames,  and  there  a  man,  and  the  corpse,  and  all, 
were  put  into  Thames ;  and  so  the  man  steered  the  barget 
unto  Westminster,  and  there  he  rowed  a  great  while  to  and 
fro  ere  any  espied  it. 


4i4     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

So  by  fortune  King  Arthur  and  the  Queen  Guenever  were 
speaking  together  at  a  window,  and  so  as  they  looked  into 
Thames  they  espied  this  black  barget,  and  had  marvel  what 
it  meant.  Then  the  king  called  Sir  Kay,  and  showed  it 
him.  Sir,  said  Sir  Kay,  wit  you  well  there  is  some  new 
tidings.  Go  thither,  said  the  king  to  Sir  Kay,  and  take 
with  you  Sir  Brandiles  and  Agravaine,  and  bring  me  ready 
word  what  is  there.  Then  these  knights  departed  and  came 
to  the  barget  and  went  in ;  and  there  they  found  the  fairest 
corpse  lying  in  a  rich  bed,  and  a  poor  man  sitting  in  the 
barget's  end,  and  no  word  would  he  speak.  So  these  knights 
returned  unto  the  king  again,  and  told  him  what  they  found. 
That  fair  corpse  will  I  see,  said  the  king.  And  so  then  the 
king  took  the  queen  by  the  hand,  and  went  thither. 

Then  the  king  made  the  barget  to  be  holden  fast,  and 
then  the  king  and  the  queen  entered  with  certain  knights 
with  them ;  and  there  he  saw  the  fairest  woman  lie  in  a  rich 
bed,  covered  unto  her  middle  with  many  rich  clothes,  and 
all  was  of  cloth  of  gold,  and  she  lay  as  though  she  had  smiled. 
Then  the  queen  espied  a  letter  in  her  right  hand,  and  told 
it  to  the  king.  Then  the  king  took  it  and  said :  Now  am 
I  sure  this  letter  will  tell  what  she  was,  and  why  she  is  come 
hither.  So  then  the  king  and  the  queen  went  out  of  the 
barget,  and  so  commanded  a  certain  man  to  wait  upon  the 
barget. 

And  so  when  the  the  king  was  come  within  his  chamber,  he 
called  many  knights  about  him,  and  said  that  he  would  wit 
openly  what  was  written  within  that  letter.  Then  the  king 
brake  it,  and  made  a  clerk  to  read  it,  and  this  was  the  intent 
of  the  letter.  Most  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  now  hath 
death  made  us  two  at  debate  for  your  love.  I  was  your 


OF  ARTHUR  AND  THE   DEAD   MAID        415 

lover,  that  men  called  the  Fair  Maiden  of  Astolat ;  therefore 
unto  all  ladies  I  make  my  moan ;  yet  pray  for  my  soul  and 
bury  me  at  least,  and  offer  ye  my  mass-penny :  this  is  my 
last  request.  And  a  clean  maiden  I  died,  I  take  God  to 
witness :  pray  for  my  soul,  Sir  Launcelot,  as  thou  art  peer- 
less. This  was  all  the  substance  in  the  letter.  And  when 
it  was  read,  the  king,  the  queen,  and  all  the  knights  wept 
for  pity  of  the  doleful  complaints.  Then  was  Sir  Launcelot 
sent  for ;  and  when  he  was  come  King  Arthur  made  the  letter 
to  be  read  to  him. 

And  when  Sir  Launcelot  heard  it  word  by  word,  he  said : 
My  lord  Arthur,  wit  ye  well  I  am  right  heavy  of  the  death 
of  this  fair  damosel :  God  knoweth  I  was  never  causer  of  her 
death  by  my  willing,  and  that  will  I  report  me  to  her  own 
brother :  here  he  is,  Sir  Lavaine.  I  will  not  say  nay,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  but  that  she  was  both  fair  and  good,  and  much 
I  was  beholden  unto  her,  but  she  loved  me  out  of  measure. 
Ye  might  have  shewed  her,  said  the  queen,  some  bounty 
and  gentleness  that  might  have  preserved  her  life.  Madam, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  she  would  none  other  ways  be  answered 
but  that  she  would  be  my  wife,  or  else  my  love ;  and  of  these 
two  I  would  not  grant  her,  but  I  proffered  her,  for  her  good 
love  that  she  shewed  me,  a  thousand  pound  yearly  to  her, 
and  to  her  heirs,  and  to  wed  any  manner  knight  that  she 
could  find  best  to  love  in  her  heart.  For  madam,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  I  love  not  to  be  constrained  to  love  ;  for  love  must 
arise  of  the  heart,  and  not  by  no  constraint.  That  is  truth, 
said  the  king  and  many  knights :  love  is  free  in  himself, 
and  never  will  be  bounden,  for  where  he  is  bounden  he  looseth 
himself. 

Then  said  the  king  unto  Sir  Launcelot :    It  will  be  your 


416     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

worship  that  ye  oversee  that  she  be  interred  worshipfully. 
Sir,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  shall  be  done  as  I  can  best  de- 
vise. And  so  many  knights  went  thither  to  behold  that 
fair  maiden.  And  so  upon  the  morn  she  was  interred  richly, 
and  Sir  Launcelot  offered  her  mass-penny ;  and  all  the  knights 
of  the  Table  Round  that  were  there  at  that  time  offered 
with  Sir  Launcelot.  And  then  the  poor  man  went  again 
with  the  barget.  Then  the  queen  sent  for  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  prayed  him  of  mercy,  for  why  that  she  had  been  wroth 
with  him  causeless.  This  is  not  the  first  time,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, that  ye  have  been  displeased  with  me  causeless ;  but, 
madam,  ever  I  must  suffer  you,  but  what  sorrow  I  endure 
I  take  no  force.  So  thus  passed  on  all  that  winter,  with  all 
manner  of  hunting  and  hawking;  and  jousts  and  tourneys 
were  many  betwixt  many  great  lords,  and  ever  in  all  places 
Sir  Lavaine  gat  great  worship. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WENT  TO  RE- 
POSE HIM  AT  A  HERMITAGE,  AND 
HOW  HE  WAS  HURT  OF  A  GENTLE- 
WOMAN, AND  OF  A  GREAT  TOURNEY 
ORDAINED  BY  KING  ARTHUR.  Thus 
it  passed  on  till  Christmas,  and  then  every  day 
there  was  jousts  made  for  a  diamond,  who  that  jousted  best 
should  have  a  diamond.  But  Sir  Launcelot  would  not  joust 
but  if  it  were  at  a  great  jousts  cried.  But  Sir  Lavaine  jousted 
there  all  that  Christmas  passingly  well,  and  best  was  praised, 
for  there  were  but  few  that  did  so  well.  Wherefore  all  manner 
of  knights  deemed  that  Sir  Lavaine  should  be  made  knight 
of  the  Table  Round  at  the  next  feast  of  Pentecost.  So 
at-after  Christmas  King  Arthur  let  call  unto  him  many 


OF  GREAT  JOUSTS  AT  CHRISTMAS         417 

knights,  and  there  they  advised  together  to  make  a  party  and 
a  great  tournament  and  jousts,  beside  Westminster  upon 
Candlemas  Day. 

Then  Queen  Guenever  sent  for  Sir  Launcelot,  and  said 
thus  :  I  warn  you  that  ye  ride  no  more  in  no  jousts  nor  tour- 
naments but  that  your  kinsmen  may  know  you.  And  at 
these  jousts  that  shall  be  ye  shall  have  of  me  a  sleeve  of 
gold ;  and  I  pray  you  for  my  sake  enforce  yourself  there, 
that  men  may  speak  of  you  worship ;  but  I  charge  you  as 
ye  will  have  my  love,  that  ye  warn  your  kinsmen  that  ye 
will  bear  that  day  the  sleeve  of  gold  upon  your  helmet. 
Madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  it  shall  be  done.  And  so  either 
made  great  joy  of  other.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw 
his  time  he  told  Sir  Bors  that  he  would  depart,  and  have 
no  more  with  him  but  Sir  Lavaine,  unto  the  good  hermit  that 
dwelt  in  that  forest  of  Windsor ;  his  name  was  Sir  Brasias ; 
and  there  he  thought  to  repose  him,  and  take  all  the  rest  that 
he  might,  because  he  would  be  fresh  at  that  day  of  jousts. 

So  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Lavaine  departed,  that  no 
creature  wist  where  he  was  become,  but  the  noble  men  of 
his  blood.  And  when  he  was  come  to  the  hermitage,  wit 
ye  well  he  had  good  cheer.  And  so  daily  Sir  Launcelot 
would  go  to  a  well  fast  by  the  hermitage,  and  there  he  would 
lie  down,  and  see  the  well  spring  and  burble,  and  sometime 
he  slept  there.  So  at  that  time  there  was  a  lady  dwelt  in 
that  forest,  and  she  was  a  great  huntress,  and  daily  she  used 
to  hunt,  and  ever  she  bare  her  bow  with  her ;  and  no  men 
went  never  with  her,  but  always  women,  and  they  were 
shooters,  and  could  well  kill  a  deer,  both  at  the  stalk  and 
at  the  trest ;  and  they  daily  bare  bows  and  arrows,  horns 
and  wood-knives,  and  many  good  dogs  they  had,  both  for 


2E 


4i8     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

the  string  and  for  a  bate.  So  it  happed  this  lady  the  hunt- 
ress had  abated  her  dog  for  the  bow  at  a  barren  hind,  and 
so  this  barren  hind  took  the  flight  over  hedges  and  woods. 
And  ever  this  lady  and  part  of  her  women  costed  the  hind, 
and  checked  it  by  the  noise  of  the  hounds,  to  have  met  with 
the  hind  at  some  water ;  and  so  it  happed,  the  hind  came  to 
the  well  whereas  Sir  Launcelot  was  sleeping  and  slumber- 
ing. And  so  when  the  hind  came  to  the  well,  for  heat  she 
went  to  soil,  and  there  she  lay  a  great  while ;  and  the  dogs 
came  after,  and  umbecast  about,  for  they  had  lost  the  very 
perfect  feute  of  the  hind.  Right  so  came  that  lady  the  hunt- 
ress, that  knew  by  the  dog  that  she  had,  that  the  hind  was 
at  the  soil  in  that  well ;  and  there  she  came  stiffly  and  found 
the  hind,  and  she  put  a  broad  arrow  in  her  bow,  and  shot 
at  the  hind,  and  over-shot  the  hind ;  and  so  by  misfortune 
the  arrow  smote  Sir  Launcelot  in  the  thick  of  the  thigh, 
over  the  barbs.  When  Sir  Launcelot  felt  himself  so  hurt, 
he  hurled  up  woodly,  and  saw  the  lady  that  had  smitten  him. 
And  when  he  saw  she  was  a  woman,  he  said  thus :  Lady  or 
damosel,  what  that  thou  be,  in  an  evil  time  bear  ye  a  bow ; 
the  devil  made  you  a  shooter. 

Now  mercy,  fair  sir,  said  the  lady,  I  am  a  gentlewoman 
that  useth  here  in  this  forest  hunting,  and  God  knoweth  I 
saw  ye  not ;  but  as  here  was  a  barren  hind  at  the  soil  in  this 
well,  and  I  weened  to  have  done  well,  but  my  hand  swerved. 
Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  have  mischieved  me.  And  so 
the  lady  departed,  and  Sir  Launcelot,  as  he  might,  pulled 
out  the  arrow,  and  so  he  went  weakly  to  the  hermitage  ever 
more  bleeding  as  he  went.  And  when  Sir  Lavaine  and  the 
hermit  espied  that  Sir  Launcelot  was  hurt,  wit  you  well  they 
were  passing  heavy.  Then  with  great  pain  the  hermit  gat 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  HURT          419 

out  the  arrow's  head  out  of  Sir  Launcelot's  thigh,  and  much 
of  his  blood  he  shed ;  and  the  wound  was  passing  sore,  and 
unhappily  smitten  ;  for  it  was  in  such  a  place  that  he  might  not 
sit  in  no  saddle.  Now  so  heaven  me  help,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
I  shall  be  in  the  field  upon  Candlemas  Day  at  the  jousts, 
whatsomever  fall  of  it.  So  all  that  might  be  gotten  to  heal 
Sir  Launcelot  was  had. 

So  when  the  day  was  come  Sir  Launcelot  let  devise  that 
he  was  arrayed,  and  Sir  Lavaine,  and  their  horses,  as  though 
they  had  been  Saracens.  Then  they  blew  to  the  field ;  and 
there  the  King  of  Northgalis  encountered  with  the  King  of 
Scots,  and  there  the  King  of  Scots  had  a  fall ;  and  the  King 
of  Ireland  smote  down  King  Uriens  ;  and  the  King  of  North- 
umberland smote  down  King  Howel  of  Brittany ;  and  Sir 
Galahad,  the  haut  prince,  smote  down  Chaleins  of  Clarance. 
And  then  King  Arthur  was  wood  wroth,  and  ran  to  the  King 
with  the  Hundred  Knights,  and  there  King  Arthur  smote 
him  down;  and  after  with  that  same  spear  King  Arthur 
smote  down  three  other  knights. 

All  this  doing  saw  Sir  Launcelot,  and  then  he  came  into 
the  field  with  Sir  Lavaine  as  it  had  been  thunder.  And 
then  anon  Sir  Bors  and  the  knights  of  his  blood  espied  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  said  to  them  all :  I  warn  you  beware  of  him 
with  the  sleeve  of  gold  upon  his  head,  for  he  is  himself  Sir 
Launcelot  du  Lake ;  and  for  great  goodness  Sir  Bors  warned 
Sir  Gareth.  I  am  well  apaid,  said  Sir  Gareth,  that  I  may 
know  him.  But  who  is  he,  said  they  all,  that  rideth  with 
him  in  the  same  array  ?  That  is  the  good  and  gentle  knight 
Sir  Lavaine,  said  Sir  Bors.  So  Sir  Launcelot  encountered 
with  Sir  Gawaine,  and  there  by  force  Sir  Launcelot  smote 
down  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  horse  to  the  earth,  and  so  he  smote 


420     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

down  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Gaheris,  and  also  he  smote  down 
Sir  Mordred,  and  all  this  was  with  one  spear.  Then  Sir 
Lavaine  met  with  Sir  Palomides,  and  either  met  other  so 
hard  and  so  fiercely  that  both  their  horses  fell  to  the  earth. 
And  then  were  they  horsed  again,  and  then  met  Sir  Launce- 
lot  with  Sir  Palomides,  and  there  Sir  Palomides  had  a  fall ; 
and  so  Sir  Launcelot  or  ever  he  stint,  as  fast  as  he  might  get 
spears,  he  smote  down  thirty  knights,  and  the  most  part  of 
them  were  knights  of  the  Table  Round  ;  and  ever  the  knights 
of  his  blood  withdrew  them,  and  made  them  ado  in  other 
places  where  Sir  Launcelot  came  not. 

And  then  King  Arthur  was  wroth  when  he  saw  Sir  Launce- 
lot do  such  deeds ;  and  then  the  king  called  unto  him  Sir 
Gawaine,  Sir  Mordred,  Sir  Kay,  Sir  Griflet,  Sir  Lucan  the 
Butler,  Sir  Bedevere,  Sir  Palomides,  Sir  Safere,  his  brother ; 
and  so  the  king  with  these  nine  knights  made  them  ready  to 
set  upon  Sir  Launcelot,  and  upon  Sir  Lavaine.  All  this  espied 
Sir  Bors  and  Sir  Gareth.  Now  I  dread  me  sore,  said  Sir 
Bors,  that  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  will  be  hard  matched.  By 
my  head,  said  Sir  Gareth,  I  will  ride  unto  my  lord  Sir  Launce- 
lot, for  to  help  him,  fall  of  him  what  fall  may,  for  he  is  the 
same  man  that  made  me  knight.  Ye  shall  not  so,  said  Sir 
Bors,  by  my  counsel,  unless  that  ye  were  disguised.  Ye  shall 
see  me  disguised,  said  Sir  Gareth ;  and  therewithal  he  espied 
a  Welsh  knight  where  he  was  to  repose  him,  and  he  was  sore 
hurt  afore  by  Sir  Gawaine,  and  to  him  Sir  Gareth  rode,  and 
prayed  him  of  his  knighthood  to  lend  him  his  shield  for  his. 
I  will  well,  said  the  Welsh  knight.  And  when  Sir  Gareth 
had  his  shield,  the  book  saith  it  was  green,  with  a  maiden 
that  seemed  in  it. 

Then  Sir  Gareth  came  driving  to  Sir  Launcelot  all  that 


OF  THE  JOUSTS  AT  CANDLEMAS  421 

he  might  and  said  :  Knight,  keep  thyself,  for  yonder  cometh 
King  Arthur  with  nine  noble  knights  with  him  to  put  you 
to  a  rebuke,  and  so  I  am  come  to  bear  you  fellowship  for  old 
love  ye  have  shewed  me.  Gramercy,  said  Sir  Launcelot. 
Sir,  said  Sir  Gareth,  encounter  ye  with  Sir  Gawaine,  and  I 
shall  encounter  with  Sir  Palomides ;  and  let  Sir  Lavaine 
match  with  the  noble  King  Arthur.  And  when  we  have 
delivered  them,  let  us  three  hold  us  sadly  together.  Then 
came  King  Arthur  with  his  nine  knights  with  him,  and  Sir 
Launcelot  encountered  with  Sir  Gawaine,  and  gave  him 
such  a  buffet  that  the  arson  of  his  saddle  brast,  and  Sir 
Gawaine  fell  to  the  earth.  Then  Sir  Gareth  encountered 
with  the  good  knight  Sir  Palomides,  and  he  gave  him  such 
a  buffet  that  both  his  horse  and  he  dashed  to  the  earth. 
Then  encountered  King  Arthur  with  Sir  Lavaine,  and  there 
either  of  them  smote  other  to  the  earth,  horse  and  all,  that 
they  lay  a  great  while.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  smote  down 
Sir  Agravaine,  and  Sir  Gaheris,  and  Sir  Mordred ;  and  Sir 
Gareth  smote  down  Sir  Kay,  and  Sir  Safere,  and  Sir  Griflet. 
And  then  Sir  Lavaine  was  horsed  again,  and  he  smote  down 
Sir  Lucan  the  Butler  and  Sir  Bedevere  ;  and  then  there  began 
great  throng  of  good  knights. 

So  this  tournament  and  this  jousts  dured  long,  till  it  was 
near  night,  for  the  knights  of  the  Round  Table  relieved  ever 
unto  King  Arthur ;  for  the  king  was  wroth  out  of  measure 
that  he  and  his  knights  might  not  prevail  that  day.  Then 
Sir  Gawaine  said  to  the  king :  I  marvel  where  all  this  day  be 
Sir  Bors  de  Ganis  and  his  fellowship  of  Sir  Launcelot's  blood, 
I  marvel  all  this  day  they  be  not  about  you :  it  is  for  some 
cause  said  Sir  Gawaine.  By  my  head,  said  Sir  Kay,  Sir  Bors 
is  yonder  all  this  day  upon  the  right  hand  of  this  field,  and 


422     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

there  he  and  his  blood  do  more  worshipfully  than  we  do.  It 
may  well  be,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  but  I  dread  me  ever  of  guile ; 
for  on  pain  of  my  life,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  this  knight  with  the 
red  sleeve  of  gold  is  himself  Sir  Launcelot,  I  see  well  by  his 
riding  and  by  his  great  strokes ;  and  the  other  knight  in  the 
same  colours  is  the  good  young  knight,  Sir  Lavaine.  Also 
that  knight  with  the  green  shield  is  my  brother,  Sir  Gareth, 
and  yet  he  hath  disguised  himself,  for  no  man  shall  never 
make  him  be  against  Sir  Launcelot,  because  he  made  him 
knight.  By  my  head,  said  Arthur,  nephew,  I  believe  you ; 
therefore  tell  me  now  what  is  your  best  counsel.  Sir,  said 
Sir  Gawaine,  ye  shall  have  my  counsel :  let  blow  unto  lodging, 
for  an  he  be  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  my  brother,  Sir 
Gareth,  with  him,  with  the  help  of  that  good  young  knight, 
Sir  Lavaine,  trust  me  truly  it  will  be  no  boot  to  strive  with 
them  but  if  we  should  fall  ten  or  twelve  upon  one  knight,  and 
that  were  no  worship,  but  shame.  Ye  say  truth,  said  the  king  ; 
and  for  to  say  sooth,  said  the  king,  it  were  shame  to  us  so 
many  as  we  be  to  set  upon  them  any  more ;  for  wit  ye  well, 
said  King  Arthur,  they  be  three  good  knights,  and  namely 
that  knight  with  the  sleeve  of  gold. 

So  then  they  blew  into  lodging ;  but  forthwithal  King 
Arthur  let  send  unto  the  four  kings,  and  to  the  mighty  duke, 
and  prayed  them  that  the  knight  with  the  sleeve  of  gold 
depart  not  from  them,  but  that  the  king  may  speak  with 
him.  Then  forthwithal  King  Arthur  alighted  and  unarmed 
him,  and  took  a  little  hackney  and  rode  after  Sir  Launcelot, 
for  ever  he  had  a  spy  upon  him.  And  so  he  found  him  among 
the  four  kings  and  the  duke ;  and  there  the  king  prayed  them 
all  unto  supper,  and  they  said  they  would  with  good  will. 
And  when  they  were  unarmed  then  King  Arthur  knew  Sir 


HOW  ARTHUR  FOUND  LAUNCELOT    423 

Launcelot,  Sir  Lavaine,  and  Sir  Gareth.  Ah,  Sir  Launcelot, 
said  King  Arthur,  this  day  ye  have  heated  me  and  my 
knights. 

So  they  went  unto  Arthur's  lodging  all  together,  and  there 
was  a  great  feast  and  great  revel,  and  the  prize  was  given 
unto  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  by  heralds  they  named  him  that  he 
had  smitten  down  fifty  knights,  and  Sir  Gareth  five-and- 
thirty,  and  Sir  Lavaine  four-and-twenty  knights.  Then 
Arthur  blamed  Sir  Gareth  because  he  left  his  fellowship  and 
held  with  Sir  Launcelot.  My  lord,  said  Sir  Gareth,  he  made 
me  a  knight,  and  when  I  saw  him  so  hard  bestead,  methought 
it  was  my  worship  to  help  him,  for  I  saw  him  do  so  much,  and 
so  many  noble  knights  against  him ;  and  when  I  understood 
that  he  was  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  I  shamed  to  see  so  many 
knights  against  him  alone.  Truly,  said  King  Arthur  unto 
Sir  Gareth,  ye  say  well,  and  worshipfully  have  ye  done  and 
to  yourself  great  worship ;  and  all  the  days  of  my  life,  said 
King  Arthur  unto  Sir  Gareth,  wit  you  well  I  shall  love  you, 
and  trust  you  the  more  better.  For  ever,  said  Arthur,  it  is 
a  worshipful  knight's  deed  to  help  another  worshipful  knight 
when  he  seeth  him  in  a  great  danger ;  for  ever  a  worshipful 
man  will  be  loath  to  see  a  worshipful  man  shamed ;  and  he 
that  is  of  no  worship,  and  fareth  with  cowardice,  never  shall 
he  show  gentleness,  nor  no  manner  of  goodness  where  he  seeth 
a  man  in  any  danger,  for  then  ever  will  a  coward  show  no 
mercy ;  and  always  a  good  man  will  do  ever  to  another  man 
as  he  would  be  done  to  himself.  So  then  there  were  great 
feasts  unto  kings  and  dukes,  and  revel,  game,  and  play,  and 
all  manner  of  noblesse  was  used ;  and  he  that  was  courteous, 
true,  and  faithful,  to  his  friend  was  that  time  cherished. 


424     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

OF  THE  MONTH  OF  MAY  AND  OF  TRUE 
LOVERS,  AND  HOW  QUEEN  GUENEVER 
RODE  A-MAYING  WITH  CERTAIN 
KNIGHTS  OF  THE  ROUND  TABLE,  AND 
CLAD  ALL  IN  GREEN,  AND  HOW  SIR 
MELIAGRANCE  TOOK  THE  QUEEN  AND  HER 
KNIGHTS.  And  thus  it  passed  on  from  Candlemas  until 
after  Easter,  that  the  month  of  May  was  come,  when 
every  lusty  heart  beginneth  to  blossom,  and  to  bring  forth 
fruit ;  for  like  as  herbs  and  trees  bring  forth  fruit  and 
flourish  in  May,  in  like  wise  every  lusty  heart,  that  is  in  any 
manner  a  lover,  springeth  and  flourisheth  in  lusty  deeds. 
For  it  giveth  unto  all  lovers  courage,  that  lusty  month  of 
May,  in  something  to  constrain  him  to  some  manner  of  thing 
more  in  that  month  than  in  any  other  month,  for  divers  causes. 
For  then  all  herbs  and  trees  renew  a  man  and  woman,  and 
likewise  lovers  call  again  to  their  mind  old  gentleness  and 
old  service,  and  many  kind  deeds  that  were  forgotten  by 
negligence.  For  like  as  winter  rasure  doth  alway  arase  and 
deface  green  summer,  so  fareth  it  by  unstable  love  in  man 
and  woman.  For  in  many  persons  there  is  no  stability ;  for 
we  may  see  all  day,  for  a  little  blast  of  winter's  rasure,  anon 
we  shall  deface  and  lay  apart  true  love  for  little  or  nought, 
that  cost  much  thing;  this  is  no  wisdom  nor  stability,  but 
it  is  feebleness  of  nature  and  great  disworship,  whosomever 
useth  this.  Therefore,  like  as  May  month  flowereth  and 
flourisheth  in  many  gardens,  so  in  like  wise  let  every  man 
of  worship  flourish  his  heart  in  this  world,  first  unto  God, 
and  next  unto  the  joy  of  them  that  he  promised  his  faith 
unto ;  for  there  was  never  worshipful  man  or  worshipful 
woman,  but  they  loved  one  better  than  another ;  and  worship 


HOW  LOVE  IS  LIKENED  TO  SUMMER      425 

in  arms  may  never  be  foiled,  but  first  reserve  the  honour 
to  God,  and  secondly  the  quarrel  must  come  of  thy  lady: 
and  such  love  I  call  virtuous  love. 

But  nowadays  men  can  not  love  seven  night  but  they 
must  have  all  their  desires :  that  love  may  not  endure  by 
reason ;  for  where  they  be  soon  accorded  and  hasty  heat, 
soon  it  cooleth.  Right  so  fareth  love  nowadays,  soon  hot 
soon  cold :  this  is  no  stability.  But  the  old  love  was  not 
so ;  men  and  women  could  love  together  seven  years,  and 
no  wanton  lusts  were  between  them,  and  then  was  love  truth 
and  faithfulness :  and  lo,  in  like  wise  was  used  love  in  King 
Arthur's  days.  Wherefore  I  liken  love  nowadays  unto  sum- 
mer and  winter ;  for  like  as  the  one  is  hot  and  the  other  cold, 
so  fareth  love  nowadays.  Therefore  all  ye  that  be  lovers 
call  unto  your  remembrance  the  month  of  May,  like  as  did 
Queen  Guenever,  for  whom  I  make  here  a  little  mention, 
that  while  she  lived  she  was  a  true  lover,  and  therefore  she 
had  a  good  end. 

So  it  befell  in  the  month  of  May,  Queen  Guenever  called 
unto  her  knights  of  the  Table  Round,  and  she  gave  them 
warning  that  early  upon  the  morrow  she  would  ride  a-May- 
ing  into  woods  and  fields  beside  Westminster.  And  I  warn 
you  that  there  be  none  of  you  but  that  he  be  well  horsed,  and 
that  ye  all  be  clothed  in  green,  outher  in  silk  outher  in  cloth ; 
and  I  shall  bring  with  me  ten  ladies,  and  every  knight  shall 
have  a  lady  behind  him,  and  every  knight  shall  have  a  squire 
and  two  yeomen ;  and  I  will  that  ye  all  be  well  horsed.  So 
they  made  them  ready  in  the  freshest  manner.  And  these 
were  the  names  of  the  knights :  Sir  Kay  le  Seneschal,  Sir 
Agravaine,  Sir  Brandiles,  Sir  Sagramore  le  Desirous,  Sir 
Dodinas  le  Savage,  Sir  Qzanna  le  Cure  Hardy,  Sir  Ladinas  of 


426     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

the  Forest  Savage,  Sir  Persant  of  Inde,  Sir  Ironside,  that 
was  called  the  Knight  of  the  Red  Launds,  and  Sir  Pelleas,  the 
lover ;  and  these  ten  knights  made  them  ready  in  the  freshest 
manner  to  ride  with  the  queen.  And  so  upon  the  morn  they 
took  their  horses  with  the  queen,  and  rode  a-Maying  in  woods 
and  meadows  as  it  pleased  them,  in  great  joy  and  delights ; 
for  the  queen  had  cast  to  have  been  again  with  King  Arthur 
at  the  furthest  by  ten  of  the  clock,  and  so  was  that  time  her 
purpose. 

Then  there  was  a  knight  that  hight  Meliagrance,  and  he 
was  son  unto  King  Bagdemagus,  and  this  knight  had  at  that 
time  a  castle  of  the  gift  of  King  Arthur  within  seven  mile  of 
Westminster.  And  this  knight,  Sir  Meliagrance,  loved  pass- 
ing well  Queen  Guenever,  and  so  had  he  done  long  and  many 
years.  And  the  book  saith  he  had  lain  in  await  for  to  steal 
away  the  queen,  but  evermore  he  forbare  for  because  of  Sir 
Launcelot ;  for  in  no  wise  he  would  meddle  with  the  queen 
an  Sir  Launcelot  were  in  her  company,  or  else  an  he  were 
near-hand  her.  And  that  time  was  such  a  custom  the  queen 
rode  never  without  a  great  fellowship  of  men  of  arms  about 
her,  and  they  were  many  good  knights,  and  the  most  part 
were  young  men  that  would  have  worship  ;  and  they  were 
called  the  Queen's  Knights,  and  never  in  no  battle,  tourna- 
ment, nor  jousts,  they  bare  none  of  them  no  manner  of  knowl- 
edging  of  their  own  arms,  but  plain  white  shields,  and  thereby 
they  were  called  the  Queen's  Knights.  And  then  when  it 
happed  any  of  them  to  be  of  great  worship  by  his  noble  deeds, 
then  at  the  next  Feast  of  Pentecost,  if  there  were  any  slain 
or  dead,  as  there  was  none  year  that  there  failed  but  some 
were  dead,  then  was  there  chosen  in  his  stead  that  was  dead 
the  most  men  of  worship,  that  were  called  the  Queen's  Knights. 


HOW  THE  QUEEN  WAS  TAKEN  427 

And  thus  they  came  up  all  first,  ere  they  were  renowned  men 
of  worship,  both  Sir  Launcelot  and  all  the  remnant  of  them. 

But  this  knight,  Sir  Meliagrance,  had  espied  the  queen 
well  and  her  purpose,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot  was  not  with 
her,  and  how  she  had  no  men  of  arms  with  her  but  the  ten 
noble  knights  all  arrayed  in  green  for  Maying.  Then  he 
purveyed  him  a  twenty  men  of  arms  and  an  hundred  archers 
for  to  destroy  the  queen  and  her  knights,  for  he  thought  that 
time  was  best  season  to  take  the  queen. 

So  as  the  queen  had  mayed  and  all  her  knights,  all  were 
bedashed  with  herbs,  mosses  and  flowers,  in  the  best  manner 
and  freshest.  Right  so  came  out  of  a  wood  Sir  Meliagrance 
with  an  eight  score  men  well  harnessed,  as  they  should  fight 
in  a  battle  of  arrest,  and  bade  the  queen  and  her  knights 
abide,  for  maugre  their  heads  they  should  abide.  Traitor 
knight,  said  Queen  Guenever,  what  cast  thou  for  to  do  ? 
Wilt  thou  shame  thyself?  Bethink  thee  how  thou  art  a 
king's  son,  and  knight  of  the  Table  Round,  and  thou  to  be 
about  to  dishonour  the  noble  king  that  made  thee  knight ; 
thou  shamest  all  knighthood  and  thyself;  and  me,  I  let  thee 
wit,  shalt  thou  never  shame,  for  I  had  liefer  cut  mine  own 
throat  in  twain  rather  than  thou  shouldest  dishonour  me. 
As  for  all  this  language,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  be  it  as  it  be 
may,  for  wit  you  well,  madam,  I  have  loved  you  many  a 
year,  and  never  or  now  could  I  get  you  at  such  an  advantage 
as  I  do  now,  and  therefore  I  will  take  you  as  I  find  you. 

Then  spake  all  the  ten  noble  knights  at  once  and  said : 
Sir  Meliagrance,  wit  thou  well  ye  are  about  to  jeopard  your 
worship  to  dishonour,  and  also  ye  cast  to  jeopard  our  persons 
howbeit  we  be  unarmed.  Ye  have  us  at  a  great  avail,  for 
it  seemeth  by  you  that  ye  have  laid  watch  upon  us ;  but 


428     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

rather  than  ye  should  put  the  queen  to  a  shame  and  us  all, 
we  had  as  lief  to  depart  from  our  lives,  for  an  if  we  other 
ways  did,  we  were  shamed  for  ever.  Then  said  Sir  Melia- 
grance :  Dress  you  as  well  ye  can,  and  keep  the  queen. 
Then  the  ten  knights  of  the  Table  Round  drew  their  swords, 
and  the  other  let  run  at  them  with  their  spears,  and  the  ten 
knights  manly  abode  them,  and  smote  away  their  spears 
that  no  spear  did  them  none  harm.  Then  they  lashed  to- 
gether with  swords,  and  anon  Sir  Kay,  Sir  Sagramore,  Sir 
Agravaine,  Sir  Dodinas,  Sir  Ladinas,  and  Sir  Ozanna  were 
smitten  to  the  earth  with  grimly  wounds.  Then  Sir  Brandiles, 
and  Sir  Persant,  Sir  Ironside,  Sir  Pelleas  fought  long,  and 
they  were  sore  wounded ;  for  these  ten  knights,  or  ever  they 
were  laid  to  the  ground,  slew  forty  men  of  the  boldest  and 
the  best  of  them. 

So  when  the  queen  saw  her  knights  thus  dolefully  wounded, 
and  needs  must  be  slain  at  the  last,  then  for  pity  and  sorrow 
she  cried  Sir  Meliagrance :  Slay  not  my  noble  knights,  and 
I  will  go  with  thee  upon  this  covenant,  that  thou  save  them, 
and  suffer  them  not  to  be  more  hurt,  with  this,  that  they  be 
led  with  me  wheresomever  thou  leadest  me,  for  I  will  rather 
slay  myself  than  I  will  go  with  thee,  unless  that  these  my 
noble  knights  may  be  in  my  presence.  Madam,  said  Melia- 
grance, for  your  sake  they  shall  be  led  with  you  into  mine 
own  castle,  with  that  ye  will  be  ruled  and  ride  with  me.  Then 
the  queen  prayed  the  four  knights  to  leave  their  fighting,  and 
she  and  they  would  not  depart.  Madam,  said  Sir  Pelleas, 
we  will  do  as  ye  do,  for  as  for  me  I  take  no  force  of  my  life 
nor  death.  For  as  the  French  book  saith,  Sir  Pelleas  gave 
such  buffets  there  that  none  armour  might  hold  him. 


HOW  THE  QUEEN   SENT   FOR   LAUNCELOT-  429 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  HAD  WORD  HOW 
THE  QUEEN  WAS  TAKEN,  AND  HOW  SIR 
MELIAGRANCE  LAID  A  BUSHMENT  FOR 
LAUNCELOT,  SO  THAT  HIS  HORSE  WAS  SLAIN, 
AND  HE  RODE  IN  A  CART  TO  SAVE  THE  QUEEN. 
Then  by  the  queen's  commandment  they  left  battle,  and 
dressed  the  wounded  knights  on  horseback,  some  sitting, 
some  overthwart  their  horses,  that  it  was  pity  to  behold 
them.  And  then  Sir  Meliagrance  charged  the  queen  and 
all  her  knights  that  none  of  all  her  fellowship  should  depart 
from  her ;  for  full  sore  he  dread  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  lest 
he  should  have  any  knowledging.  All  this  espied  the  queen, 
and  privily  she  called  unto  her  a  child  of  her  chamber  that 
was  swiftly  horsed,  to  whom  she  said :  Go  thou,  when  thou 
seest  thy  time,  and  bear  this  ring  unto  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake, 
and  pray  him  as  he  loveth  me  that  he  will  see  me  and  rescue 
me,  if  ever  he  will  have  joy  of  me ;  and  spare  not  thy  horse, 
said  the  queen,  neither  for  water,  neither  for  land.  So  the 
child  espied  his  time,  and  lightly  he  took  his  horse  with  the 
spurs,  and  departed  as  fast  as  he  might.  And  when  Sir 
Meliagrance  saw  him  so  flee,  he  understood  that  it  was  by 
the  queen's  commandment  for  to  warn  Sir  Launcelot.  Then 
they  that  were  best  horsed  chased  him  and  shot  at  him,  but 
from  them  all  the  child  went  suddenly.  And  then  Sir  Melia- 
grance said  to  the  queen :  Madam,  ye  are  about  to  betray 
me,  but  I  shall  ordain  for  Sir  Launcelot  that  he  shall  not  come 
lightly  at  you.  And  then  he  rode  with  her,  and  they  all,  to 
his  castle,  in  all  the  haste  that  they  might.  And  by  the  way 
Sir  Meliagrance  laid  in  an  embushment  the  best  archers  that 
he  might  get  in  his  country,  to  the  number  of  thirty,  to  await 
upon  Sir  Launcelot,  charging  them  that  if  they  saw  such  a 


430     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

manner  of  knight  come  by  the  way  upon  a  white  horse,  that 
in  any  wise  they  slay  his  horse,  but  in  no  manner  of  wise  have 
not  ado  with  him  bodily,  for  he  is  over-hardy  to  be  overcome. 

So  this  was  done,  and  they  were  come  to  his  castle,  but 
in  no  wise  the  queen  would  never  let  none  of  the  ten  knights 
and  her  ladies  out  of  her  sight,  but  always  they  were  in  her 
presence ;  for  the  book  saith,  Sir  Meliagrance  durst  make 
no  masteries,  for  dread  of  Sir  Launcelot,  insomuch  he  deemed 
that  he  had  warning.  So  when  the  child  was  departed  from 
the  fellowship  of  Sir  Meliagrance,  within  a  while  he  came  to 
Westminster,  and  anon  he  found  Sir  Launcelot.  And  when 
he  had  told  his  message,  and  delivered  him  the  queen's  ring : 
Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  now  I  am  shamed  for  ever,  unless 
that  I  may  rescue  that  noble  lady  from  dishonour.  Then 
eagerly  he  asked  his  armour ;  and  ever  the  child  told  Sir 
Launcelot  how  the  ten  knights  fought  marvellously,  and  how 
Sir  Pelleas,  and  Sir  Ironside,  and  Sir  Brandiles,  and  Sir  Pers- 
ant  of  Inde,  fought  strongly,  but  namely  Sir  Pelleas,  there 
might  none  withstand  him ;  and  how  they  all  fought  till  at 
the  last  they  were  laid  to  the  earth ;  and  then  the  queen 
made  appointment  for  to  save  their  lives,  and  go  with  Sir 
Meliagrance. 

Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  most  noble  lady,  that  she 
should  be  so  destroyed ;  I  had  liefer,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
than  all  France,  that  I  had  been  there  well  armed.  So  when 
Sir  Launcelot  was  armed  and  upon  his  horse,  he  prayed 
the  child  of  the  queen's  chamber  to  warn  Sir  Lavaine  how 
suddenly  he  was  departed,  and  for  what  cause.  And  pray 
him  as  he  loveth  me,  that  he  will  hie  him  after  me,  and  that 
he  stint  not  until  he  come  to  the  castle  where  Sir  Meliagrance 
abideth,  or  dwelleth ;  for  there,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  he  shall 


HOW  LAUNCELOT'S   HORSE  WAS   SLAIN     431 

hear  of  me  an  I  am  a  man  living,  and  rescue  the  queen  and 
the  ten  knights  the  which  he  traitorously  hath  taken,  and  that 
shall  I  prove  upon  his  head,  and  all  them  that  hold  with  him. 
Then  Sir  Launcelot  rode  as  fast  as  he  might,  and  the 
book  saith  he  took  the  water  at  Westminster  Bridge,  and 
made  his  horse  to  swim  over  Thames  unto  Lambeth.  And 
then  within  a  while  he  came  to  the  same  place  thereas  the 
ten  noble  knights  fought  with  Sir  Meliagrance.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  followed  the  track  until  that  he  came  to  a 
wood,  and  there  was  a  strait  way,  and  there  the  thirty  archers 
bade  Sir  Launcelot  turn  again,  and  follow  no  longer  that 
track.  What  commandment  have  ye  thereto,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, to  cause  me  that  am  a,  knight  of  the  Round  Table  to 
leave  my  right  way  ?  This  way  shalt  thou  leave,  other-else 
thou  shalt  go  it  on  thy  foot,  for  wit  thou  well  thy  horse  shall 
be  slain.  That  is  little  mastery,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  to  slay 
mine  horse ;  but  as  for  myself,  when  my  horse  is  slain,  I  give 
right  nought  for  you,  not  an  ye  were  five  hundred  more.  So 
then  they  shot  Sir  Launcelot's  horse,  and  smote  him  with 
many  arrows ;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  avoided  his  horse,  and 
went  on  foot ;  but  there  were  so  many  ditches  and  hedges 
betwixt  them  and  him  that  he  might  not  meddle  with  none 
of  them.  Alas  for  shame,  said  Launcelot,  that  ever  one 
knight  should  betray  another  knight ;  but  it  is  an  old  saw, 
A  good  man  is  never  in  danger  but  when  he  is  in  the  danger 
of  a  coward.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  went  a  while,  and  then  he 
was  foul  cumbered  of  his  armour,  his  shield,  and  his  spear, 
and  all  that  longed  unto  him.  Wit  ye  well  he  was  full  sore 
annoyed,  and  full  loath  he  was  for  to  leave  anything  that 
longed  unto  him,  for  he  dread  sore  the  treason  of  Sir  Melia- 
grance. 


432     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

Then  by  fortune  there  came  by  him  a  chariot  that  came 
thither  for  to  fetch  wood.  Say  me,  carter,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  what  shall  I  give  thee  to  suffer  me  to  leap  into  thy  chariot, 
and  that  thou  bring  me  unto  a  castle  within  this  two  mile  ? 
Thou  shalt  not  come  within  my  chariot,  said  the  carter,  for 
I  am  sent  for  to  fetch  wood  for  my  lord,  Sir  Meliagrance. 
With  him  would  I  speak.  Thou  shalt  not  go  with  me,  said 
the  carter.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  leapt  to  him,  and  gave 
him  such  a  buffet  that  he  fell  to  the  earth  stark  dead.  Then 
the  other  carter,  his  fellow,  was  afeard,  and  weened  to  have 
gone  the  same  way ;  and  then  he  cried :  Fair  lord,  save 
my  life,  and  I  shall  bring  you  where  ye  will.  Then  I  charge 
thee,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  thou  drive  me  and  this  chariot 
even  unto  Sir  Meliagrance's  gate.  Leap  up  into  the  chariot, 
said  the  carter,  and  ye  shall  be  there  anon.  So  the  carter 
drove  on  a  great  wallop,  and  Sir  Launcelot's  horse  followed 
the  chariot,  with  more  than  a  forty  arrows  broad  and  rough 
in  him. 

And  more  than  an  hour  and  an  half  Dame  Guenever 
was  awaiting  in  a  bay  window  with  her  ladies,  and  espied 
an  armed  knight  standing  in  a  chariot.  See,  madam,  said 
a  lady,  where  rideth  in  a  chariot  a  goodly  armed  knight ; 
I  suppose  he  rideth  unto  hanging.  Where  ?  said  the  queen. 
Then  she  espied  by  his  shield  that  he  was  there  himself,  Sir 
Launcelot  du  Lake.  And  then  she  was  ware  where  came 
his  horse  ever  after  that  chariot,  with  the  forty  arrows  in 
him.  Alas,  said  the  queen,  now  I  see  well  and  prove,  that 
well  is  him  that  hath  a  trusty  friend.  Ha,  ha,  most  noble 
knight,  said  Queen  Guenever,  I  see  well  thou  art  hard  bestead 
when  thou  ridest  in  a  chariot.  Then  she  rebuked  that  lady 
that  likened  Sir  Launcelot  to  ride  in  a  chariot  to  hanging. 


OF  MELIAGRANCE  AND  THE  QUEEN       433 

It  was  foul  mouthed,  said  the  queen,  and  evil  likened,  so  for 
to  liken  the  most  noble  knight  of  the  world  unto  such  a  shame- 
ful death.  O  Jesu  defend  him  and  keep  him,  said  the  queen, 
from  all  mischievous  end.  By  this  was  Sir  Launcelot  come 
to  the  gates  of  that  castle,  and  there  he  descended  down,  and 
cried,  that  all  the  castle  rang  of  it :  Where  art  thou,  false 
traitor,  Sir  Meliagrance,  and  knight  of  the  Table  Round  ? 
now  come  forth  here,  thou  traitor  knight,  thou  and  thy  fellow- 
ship with  thee ;  for  here  I  am,  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  that 
shall  fight  with  you.  And  therewithal  he  bare  the  gate  wide 
open  upon  the  porter,  and  smote  him  under  his  ear  with  his 
gauntlet,  that  his  neck  brast  a-sunder. 

HOW  SIR  MELIAGRANCE  REQUIRED 
FORGIVENESS  OF  THE  QUEEN,  AND 
HOW  SHE  APPEASED  SIR  LAUNCE- 
LOT, AND  HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
CAME  IN  THE  NIGHT  TO  THE  QUEEN, 
AND  HOW  SIR  MELIAGRANCE  AP- 
PEACHED  HER  OF  TREASON.  When  Sir  Meliagrance 
heard  that  Sir  Launcelot  was  there  he  ran  unto  Queen  Guen- 
ever,  and  fell  upon  his  knee,  and  said :  Mercy,  madam,  now 
I  put  me  wholly  into  your  grace.  What  aileth  you  now  ? 
said  Queen  Guenever;  forsooth  I  might  well  wit  some  good 
knight  would  revenge  me,  though  my  lord  Arthur  wist  not 
of  this  your  work.  Madam,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  all  this  that 
is  amiss  on  my  part  shall  be  amended  right  as  yourself  will 
devise,  and  wholly  I  put  me  in  your  grace.  What  would  ye 
that  I  did  ?  said  the  queen.  I  would  no  more,  said  Melia- 
grance, but  that  ye  would  take  all  in  your  own  hands,  and 
that  ye  will  rule  my  lord  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  such  cheer  as 


2F 


434     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

may  be  made  him  in  this  poor  castle  ye  and  he  shall  have 
until  to-morn,  and  then  may  ye  and  all  they  return  unto 
Westminster ;  and  my  body  and  all  that  I  have  I  shall  put  in 
your  rule.  Ye  say  well,  said  the  queen,  and  better  is  peace 
than  ever  war,  and  the  less  noise  the  more  is  my  worship. 

Then  the  queen  and  her  ladies  went  down  unto  the  knight, 
Sir  Launcelot,  that  stood  wroth  out  of  measure  in  the  inner 
court,  to  abide  battle ;  and  ever  he  bade :  Thou  traitor 
knight  come  forth.  Then  the  queen  came  to  him  and  said : 
Sir  Launcelot,  why  be  ye  so  moved  ?  Ha,  madam,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  why  ask  ye  me  that  question  ?  Meseemeth,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  ye  ought  to  be  more  wroth  than  I  am,  for  ye 
have  the  hurt  and  the  dishonour,  for  wit  ye  well,  madam,  my 
hurt  is  but  little  for  the  killing  of  a  mare's  son,  but  the  despite 
grieveth  me  much  more  than  all  my  hurt.  Truly,  said  the 
queen,  ye  say  truth  ;  but  heartily  I  thank  you,  said  the  queen, 
but  ye  must  come  in  with  me  peaceably,  for  all  thing  is  put 
in  my  hand,  and  all  that  is  evil  shall  be  for  the  best,  for  the 
knight  full  sore  repenteth  him  of  the  misadventure  that  is 
befallen  him.  Madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  sith  it  is  so  that 
ye  been  accorded  with  him,  as  for  me  I  may  not  be  again  it, 
howbeit  Sir  Meliagrance  hath  done  full  shamefully  to  me,  and 
cowardly.  Ah  madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  an  I  had  wist  ye 
would  have  been  so  soon  accorded  with  him,  I  would  not  have 
made  such  haste  unto  you.  Why  say  ye  so,  said  the  queen, 
do  ye  forthink  yourself  of  your  good  deeds  ?  Wit  you  well, 
said  the  queen,  I  accorded  never  unto  him  for  favour  nor  love 
that  I  had  unto  him,  but  for  to  lay  down  every  shameful 
noise.  Madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  understand  full  well 
I  was  never  willing  nor  glad  of  shameful  slander  nor  noise ; 
and  there  is  neither  king,  queen,  nor  knight,  that  beareth 


OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  THE  QUEEN     435 

the  life,  except  my  lord  King  Arthur,  and  you,  madam, 
should  let  me,  but  I  should  make  Sir  Meliagrance's  heart 
full  cold  or  ever  I  departed  from  hence.  That  wot  I  well, 
said  the  queen,  but  what  will  ye  more  ?  Ye  shall  have  all 
thing  ruled  as  ye  list  to  have  it.  Madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
so  ye  be  pleased  I  care  not,  as  for  my  part  ye  shall  soon  please. 

Right  so  the  queen  took  Sir  Launcelot  by  the  bare  hand, 
for  he  had  put  off  his  gauntlet,  and  so  she  went  with  him  till 
her  chamber ;  and  then  she  commanded  him  to  be  unarmed. 
And  then  Sir  Launcelot  asked  where  were  the  ten  knights 
that  were  wounded  sore  ;  so  she  showed  them  unto  Sir  Launce- 
lot, and  there  they  made  great  joy  of  the  coming  of  him,  and 
Sir  Launcelot  made  great  dole  of  their  hurts,  and  bewailed 
them  greatly.  And  there  Sir  Launcelot  told  them  how 
cowardly  and  traitorly  Meliagrance  set  archers  to  slay  his  horse, 
and  how  he  was  fain  to  put  himself  in  a  chariot.  Thus  they 
complained  everych  to  other ;  and  full  fain  they  would  have 
been  revenged,  but  they  peaced  themselves  because  of  the 
queen.  Then,  as  the  French  book  saith,  Sir  Launcelot  was 
called  many  a  day  after  le  Chevaler  du  Chariot,  and  did  many 
deeds,  and  great  adventures  he  had.  And  so  leave  we  of 
this  tale  le  Chevaler  du  Chariot,  and  turn  we  to  this  tale. 

So  Sir  Launcelot  had  great  cheer  with  the  queen,  and  then 
Sir  Launcelot  made  a  promise  with  the  queen  that  the  same 
night  Sir  Launcelot  should  come  to  a  window  outward  toward 
a  garden  ;  and  that  window  was  y-barred  with  iron,  and  there 
Sir  Launcelot  promised  to  meet  her  when  all  folks  were  asleep. 
So  then  came  Sir  Lavaine  driving  to  the  gates,  crying :  Where 
is  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  ?  Then  was  he  sent  for, 
and  when  Sir  Lavaine  saw  Sir  Launcelot,  he  said :  My  lord, 
I  found  well  how  ye  were  hard  bestead,  for  I  have  found  your 


436     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

horse  that  was  slain  with  arrows.  As  for  that,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  I  pray  you,  Sir  Lavaine,  speak  ye  of  other  matters,  and 
let  ye  this  pass,  and  we  shall  right  it  another  time  when  we 
best  may. 

Then  the  knights  that  were  hurt  were  searched,  and  soft 
salves  were  laid  to  their  wounds ;  and  so  it  passed  on  till 
supper  time,  and  all  the  cheer  that  might  be  made  them  there 
was  done  unto  the  queen  and  all  her  knights.  Then  when 
season  was,  they  went  unto  their  chambers,  but  in  no  wise  the 
queen  would  not  suffer  the  wounded  knights  to  be  from  her, 
but  that  they  were  laid  within  draughts  by  her  chamber,  upon 
beds  and  pillows,  that  she  herself  might  see  to  them,  that  they 
wanted  nothing. 

So  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  in  his  chamber  that  was  assigned 
unto  him,  he  called  unto  him  Sir  Lavaine,  and  told  him  that 
night  he  must  go  speak  with  his  lady,  Dame  Guenever.  Sir, 
said  Sir  Lavaine,  let  me  go  with  you  an  it  please  you,  for  I 
dread  me  sore  of  the  treason  of  Sir  Meliagrance.  Nay,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  I  thank  you,  but  I  will  have  nobody  with  me. 
Then  Sir  Launcelot  took  his  sword  in  his  hand,  and  privily  went 
to  a  place  where  he  had  espied  a  ladder  to-forehand,  and  that 
he  took  under  his  arm,  and  bare  it  through  the  garden,  and 
set  it  up  to  the  window,  and  there  anon  the  queen  was  ready 
to  meet  him.  And  then  they  made  either  to  other  their  com- 
plaints of  many  divers  things,  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  wished 
that  he  might  have  come  in  to  her.  Wit  ye  well,  said  the 
queen,  I  would  as  fain  as  ye,  that  ye  might  come  in  to  me. 
Would  ye,  madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  with  your  heart  that 
I  were  with  you  ?  Yea,  truly,  said  the  queen.  Now  shall  I 
prove  my  might,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  your  love ;  and 
then  he  set  his  hands  upon  the  bars  of  iron,  and  he  pulled  at 


THE  QUEEN  APPEACHED  OF  TREASON     437 

them  with  such  a  might  that  he  brast  them  clean  out  of  the 
stone  walls,  and  therewithal  one  of  the  bars  of  iron  cut  the 
brawn  of  his  hand  throughout  to  the  bone  ;  and  then  he  leapt 
into  the  chamber  to  the  queen.  Make  ye  no  noise,  said  the 
queen,  for  my  wounded  knights  lie  here  fast  by  me.  And  when 
he  saw  his  time  that  he  might  tarry  no  longer  he  took  his  leave 
and  departed  at  the  window,  and  put  it  together  as  well  as 
he  might  again,  and  so  departed  unto  his  own  chamber ;  and 
there  he  told  Sir  Lavaine  how  he  was  hurt.  Then  Sir  Lavaine 
dressed  his  hand  and  staunched  it,  and  put  upon  it  a  glove, 
that  it  should  not  be  espied ;  and  so  the  queen  lay  long  in 
her  bed  until  it  was  nine  of  the  clock. 

Then  Sir  Meliagrance  went  to  the  queen's  chamber, 
and  found  her  ladies  there  ready  clothed.  What  aileth  you, 
madam,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  that  ye  sleep  thus  long  ?  And 
right  therewithal  he  opened  the  curtain  for  to  behold  her ; 
and  then  was  he  ware  of  the  blood  of  Sir  Launcelot's  hurt 
hand.  When  Sir  Meliagrance  espied  that  blood,  then  he 
deemed  in  himself  that  she  was  false  to  the  king,  and  that 
it  was  the  blood  of  some  of  the  wounded  knights.  Ah, 
madam,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  now  I  have  found  you  a  false 
traitress  unto  my  lord  Arthur ;  for  now  I  prove  well  it  was 
not  for  nought  that  ye  laid  these  wounded  knights  within  the 
bounds  of  your  chamber ;  therefore  I  will  call  you  of  treason 
before  my  lord,  King  Arthur.  And  now  I  have  proved  you, 
madam,  with  a  shameful  deed ;  and  that  they  be  all  false, 
or  some  of  them,  I  will  make  good,  for  a  wounded  knight 
hath  been  here.  That  is  false,  said  the  queen,  and  that  I 
will  report  me  unto  them  all.  Then  when  the  ten  knights 
heard  Sir  Meliagrance's  words,  they  spake  all  in  one  voice 
and  said  to  Sir  Meliagrance  :  Thou  sayest  falsely,  and  wrong- 


438     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

fully  puttest  upon  us  such  a  deed,  and  that  we  will  make  good 
any  of  us ;  choose  which  thou  list  of  us  when  we  are  whole 
of  our  wounds.  Ye  shall  not,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  away  with 
your  proud  language,  for  here  ye  may  all  see,  that  a  wounded 
knight  hath  been  here.  Then  were  they  all  ashamed  when  they 
saw  that  blood  ;  and  wit  you  well  Sir  Meliagrance  was  passing 
glad  that  he  had  the  queen  at  such  an  advantage,  for  he  deemed 
by  that  to  hide  his  treason.  So  with  this  rumour  came  in 
Sir  Launcelot,  and  found  them  all  at  a  great  array. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  ANSWERED 
FOR  THE  QUEEN,  TO  WAGE  BATTLE 
AGAINST  SIR  MELIAGRANCE;  AND 
HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  TAKEN 
IN  A  TRAP,  BUT  WAS  DELIVERED 
OF  A  LADY,  AND  HOW  HE  FOUGHT 
WITH  SIR  MELIAGRANCE,  HALF  UN- 
ARMED, AND  SLEW  HIM.  What  array  is  this?  said 
Sir  Launcelot.  Then  Sir  Meliagrance  told  him  what  he  had 
found,  and  showed  him  the  blood,  And  well  I  am  sure,  said 
Sir  Meliagrance,  here  hath  been  one  of  her  wounded  knights, 
and  therefore  I  will  prove  with  my  hands  that  she  is  a  traitress 
unto  my  lord  Arthur.  Beware  what  ye  do,  said  Launcelot, 
for  an  ye  say  so,  an  ye  will  prove  it,  it  will  be  taken  at  your 
hands. 

My  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  I  rede 
you  beware  what  ye  do ;  for  though  ye  are  never  so  good  a 
knight,  as  ye  wot  well  ye  are  renowned  the  best  knight  of 
the  world,  yet  should  ye  be  advised  to  do  battle  in  a  wrong 
quarrel,  for  God  will  have  a  stroke  in  every  battle.  As  for 
that,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  God  is  to  be  dread ;  but  as  to  that 


OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  MELIAGRANCE       439 

I  say  nay  plainly,  that  this  night  none  of  these  ten  wounded 
knights  was  here  with  my  lady  Queen  Guenever,  and  that 
will  I  prove  with  my  hands,  that  ye  say  untruly  in  that  now. 
Hold,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  here  is  my  glove  that  she  is 
traitress  unto  my  lord,  King  Arthur,  and  that  this  night  one 
of  the  wounded  knights  was  here.  And  I  receive  your  glove, 
said  Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  they  were  sealed  with  their  sig- 
nets, and  delivered  unto  the  ten  knights.  At  what  day  shall 
we  do  battle  together  ?  said  Sir  Launcelot.  This  day  eight 
days,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  in  the  field  beside  Westminster. 
I  am  agreed,  said  Sir  Launcelot.  But  now,  said  Sir  Melia- 
grance, sithen  it  is  so  that  we  must  fight  together,  I  pray  you, 
as  ye  be  a  noble  knight,  await  me  with  no  treason,  nor  none 
villainy  the  meanwhile,  nor  none  for  you.  So  God  me  help, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  shall  right  well  wit  I  was  never  of  no 
such  conditions,  for  I  report  me  to  all  knights  that  ever  have 
known  me,  I  fared  never  with  no  treason,  nor  I  loved  never 
the  fellowship  of  no  man  that  fared  with  treason.  Then  let 
us  go  to  dinner,  said  Meliagrance,  and  after  dinner  ye  and 
the  queen  and  ye  may  ride  all  to  Westminster.  I  will  well, 
said  Sir  Launcelot. 

Then  Sir  Meliagrance  said  to  Sir  Launcelot :  Pleaseth 
it  you  to  see  the  eftures  of  this  castle  ?  With  a  good  will, 
said  Sir  Launcelot.  And  then  they  went  together  from 
chamber  to  chamber,  for  Sir  Launcelot  dread  no  perils ; 
for  ever  a  man  of  worship  and  of  prowess  dreadeth  least 
always  perils,  for  they  ween  every  man  be  as  they  be ;  but 
ever  he  that  fareth  with  treason  putteth  oft  a  man  in  great 
danger.  So  it  befell  upon  Sir  Launcelot  that  no  peril  dread, 
as  he  went  with  Sir  Meliagrance  he  trod  on  a  trap  and  the 
board  rolled,  and  there  Sir  Launcelot  fell  down  more  than 


440     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

ten  fathom  into  a  cave  full  of  straw ;  and  then  Sir  Melia- 
grance  departed  and  made  no  fare,  as  that  he  nist  where  he 
was. 

And  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  thus  missed  they  marvelled 
where  he  was  become ;  and  then  the  queen  and  many  of 
them  deemed  that  he  was  departed  as  he  was  wont  to  do, 
suddenly.  For  Sir  Meliagrance  made  suddenly  to  put 
away  aside  Sir  Lavaine's  horse,  that  they  might  all  under- 
stand that  Sir  Launcelot  was  departed  suddenly.  So  it 
passed  on  till  after  dinner ;  and  then  Sir  Lavaine  would 
not  stint  until  that  he  ordained  litters  for  the  wounded 
knights,  that  they  might  be  laid  in  them ;  and  so  with  the 
queen  and  them  all,  both  ladies  and  gentlewomen  and  other, 
went  unto  Westminster ;  and  there  the  knights  told  King 
Arthur  how  Meliagrance  had  appealed  the  queen  of  high 
treason,  and  how  Sir  Launcelot  had  received  the  glove  of 
him :  And  this  day  eight  days  they  shall  do  battle  afore 
you.  By  my  head,  said  King  Arthur,  I  am  afeard  Sir  Melia- 
grance hath  taken  upon  him  a  great  charge  ;  but  where  is 
Sir  Launcelot  ?  said  the  king.  Sir,  said  they  all,  we  wot  not 
where  he  is,  but  we  deem  he  is  ridden  to  some  adventures,  as 
he  is  ofttimes  wont  to  do,  for  he  hath  Sir  Lavaine's  horse. 
Let  him  be,  said  the  king,  he  will  be  founden,  but  if  he  be 
trapped  with  some  treason. 

So  leave  we  Sir  Launcelot  lying  within  that  cave  in  great 
pain ;  and  every  day  there  came  a  lady  and  brought  him  his 
meat  and  his  drink,  and  wooed  him  to  love  her ;  and  ever 
the  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  said  her  nay.  Sir  Launcelot, 
said  she,  ye  are  not  wise,  for  ye  may  never  out  of  this  prison, 
but  if  ye  have  my  help  ;  and  also  your  lady,  Queen  Guenever, 
shall  be  brent  in  your  default,  unless  that  ye  be  there  at  the 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT   IN   PRISON  441 

day  of  battle.  God  defend,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  she 
should  be  brent  in  my  default ;  and  if  it  be  so,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, that  I  may  not  be  there,  it  shall  be  well  understanded, 
both  at  the  king  and  at  the  queen,  and  with  all  men  of  wor- 
ship, that  I  am  dead,  sick,  or  in  prison.  For  all  men  that  know 
me  will  say  for  me  that  I  am  in  some  evil  case  an  I  be  not  there 
that  day ;  and  well  I  wot  there  is  some  good  knight  either  of 
my  blood,  or  some  other  that  loveth  me,  that  will  take  my 
quarrel  in  hand ;  and  therefore,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  wit  ye 
well  ye  shall  not  fear  me ;  and  if  there  were  no  more  women  in 
all  this  land  but  ye,  I  would  not  say  you  otherwise.  Then 
art  thou  shamed,  said  the  lady,  and  destroyed  for  ever.  As 
for  world's  shame,  Jesu  defend  me ;  and  as  for  my  distress,  it 
is  welcome  whatsoever  it  be  that  God  sendeth  me. 

So  she  came  to  him  the  same  day  that  the  battle  should 
be,  and  said :  Sir  Launcelot,  methinketh  ye  are  too  hard- 
hearted, but  wouldst  thou  but  kiss  me  once  I  should  deliver 
thee,  and  thine  armour,  and  the  best  horse  that  is  within 
Sir  Meliagrance's  stable.  As  for  to  kiss  you,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, I  may  do  that  and  lose  no  worship ;  and  wit  ye  well  an 
I  understood  there  were  any  disworship  for  to  kiss  you  I 
would  not  do  it.  Then  he  kissed  her,  and  then  she  gat  him, 
and  brought  him  to  his  armour.  And  when  he  was  armed, 
she  brought  him  to  a  stable,  where  stood  twelve  good  coursers, 
and  bade  him  choose  the  best.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  looked 
upon  a  white  courser  the  which  liked  him  best ;  and  anon 
he  commanded  the  keepers  fast  to  saddle  him  with  the  best 
saddle  of  war  that  there  was  ;  and  so  it  was  done  as  he  bade. 
Then  gat  he  his  spear  in  his  hand,  and  his  sword  by  his  side, 
and  commended  the  lady  unto  God,  and  said :  Lady,  for  this 
good  deed  I  shall  do  you  service  if  ever  it  be  in  my  power. 


442     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

Now  leave  we  Sir  Launcelot  wallop  all  that  he  might,  and 
speak  we  of  Queen  Guenever  that  was  brought  to  a  fire  to 
be  brent ;  for  Sir  Meliagrance  was  sure,  him  thought,  that 
Sir  Launcelot  should  not  be  at  that  battle ;  therefore  he  ever 
cried  upon  King  Arthur  to  do  him  justice,  or  else  bring  forth 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  Then  was  the  king  and  all  the  court 
full  sore  abashed  and  shamed  that  the  queen  should  be 
brent  in  the  default  of  Sir  Launcelot.  My  lord  Arthur,  said 
Sir  Lavaine,  ye  may  understand  that  it  is  not  well  with 
my  lord  Sir  Launcelot,  for  an  he  were  alive,  so  he  be  not  sick 
or  in  prison,  wit  ye  well  he  would  be  here ;  for  never  heard  ye 
that  ever  he  failed  his  part  for  whom  he  should  do  battle  for. 
And  therefore,  said  Sir  Lavaine,  my  lord,  King  Arthur,  I 
beseech  you  give  me  license  to  do  battle  here  this  day  for  my 
lord  and  master,  and  for  to  save  my  lady,  the  queen.  Gra- 
mercy,  gentle  Sir  Lavaine,  said  King  Arthur,  for  I  dare  say  all 
that  Sir  Meliagrance  putteth  upon  my  lady  the  queen  is 
wrong,  for  I  have  spoken  with  all  the  ten  wounded  knights, 
and  there  is  not  one  of  them,  an  he  were  whole  and  able  to 
do  battle,  but  he  would  prove  upon  Sir  Meliagrance's  body 
that  it  is  false  that  he  putteth  upon  my  queen.  So  shall  I, 
said  Sir  Lavaine,  in  the  defence  of  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  an 
ye  will  give  me  leave.  Now  I  give  you  leave,  said  King 
Arthur,  and  do  your  best,  for  I  dare  well  say  there  is  some 
treason  done  to  Sir  Launcelot. 

Then  was  Sir  Lavaine  armed  and  horsed,  and  suddenly 
at  the  lists'  end  he  rode  to  perform  this  battle ;  and  right 
as  the  heralds  should  cry:  Lesses  les  aler,  right  so  came  in 
Sir  Launcelot  driving  with  all  the  force  of  his  horse.  And 
then  Arthur  cried  :  Ho  !  and  Abide  !  Then  was  Sir  Launce- 
lot called  on  horseback  to-fore  King  Arthur,  and  there  he  told 


LAUNCELOT   FIGHTS   FOR  THE  QUEEN     443 

openly  to-fore  the  king  and  all,  how  Sir  Meliagrance  had 
served  him  first  and  last.  And  when  the  king,  and  the  queen, 
and  all  the  lords,  knew  of  the  treason  of  Sir  Meliagrance  they 
were  all  ashamed  on  his  behalf.  Then  was  Queen  Guenever 
sent  for,  and  set  by  the  king  in  great  trust  of  her  champion. 
And  then  there  was  no  more  else  to  say,  but  Sir  Launcelot 
and  Sir  Meliagrance  dressed  them  unto  battle,  and  took  their 
spears ;  and  so  they  came  together  as  thunder,  and  there 
Sir  Launcelot  bare  him  down  quite  over  his  horse's  croup. 
And  then  Sir  Launcelot  alighted  and  dressed  his  shield  on 
his  shoulder,  with  his  sword  in  his  hand,  and  Sir  Meliagrance 
in  the  same  wise  dressed  him  unto  him,  and  there  they  smote 
many  great  strokes  together ;  and  at  the  last  Sir  Launcelot 
smote  him  such  a  buffet  upon  the  helmet  that  he  fell  on  the 
one  side  to  the  earth.  And  then  he  cried  upon  him  aloud : 
Most  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  save  my  life,  for 
I  yield  me  unto  you,  and  I  require  you,  as  ye  be  a  knight  and 
fellow  of  the  Table  Round,  slay  me  not,  for  I  yield  me  as 
overcome ;  and  whether  I  shall  live  or  die  I  put  me  in  the 
king's  hands  and  yours. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  wist  not  what  to  do,  for  he  had  had 
liefer  than  all  the  good  of  the  world  he  might  have  been 
revenged  upon  Sir  Meliagrance ;  and  Sir  Launcelot  looked 
up  to  the  Queen  Guenever,  if  he  might  espy  by  any  sign 
or  countenance  what  she  would  have  done.  And  then  the 
queen  wagged  her  head  upon  Sir  Launcelot,  as  though  she 
would  say:  Slay  him.  Full  well  knew  Sir  Launcelot  by 
the  wagging  of  her  head  that  she  would  have  him  dead ; 
then  Sir  Launcelot  bade  him  rise  for  shame  and  perform 
that  battle  to  the  utterance.  Nay,  said  Sir  Meliagrance,  I 
will  never  arise  until  ye  take  me  as  yolden  and  recreant. 


444     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

I  shall  proffer  you  large  proffers,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  is 
for  to  say,  I  shall  unarm  my  head  and  my  left  quarter  of 
my  body,  all  that  may  be  unarmed,  and  let  bind  my  left 
hand  behind  me,  so  that  it  shall  not  help  me,  and  right  so 
I  shall  do  battle  with  you.  Then  Sir  Meliagrance  started 
up  upon  his  legs,  and  said  on  high :  My  lord  Arthur,  take 
heed  to  this  proffer,  for  I  will  take  it,  and  let  him  be  disarmed 
and  bounden  according  to  his  proffer.  What  say  ye,  said 
King  Arthur  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  will  ye  abide  by  your  proffer  ? 
Yea,  my  lord,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  will  never  go  from  that 
I  have  once  said. 

Then  the  knights  parters  of  the  field  disarmed  Sir  Launce- 
lot, first  his  head,  and  sithen  his  left  arm,  and  his  left  side, 
and  they  bound  his  left  arm  behind  his  back,  without  shield 
or  anything,  and  then  they  were  put  together.  Wit  you  well 
there  was  many  a  lady  and  knight  marvelled  that  Sir  Launce- 
lot would  jeopardy  himself  in  such  wise.  Then  Sir  Melia- 
grance came  with  his  sword  all  on  high,  and  Sir  Launcelot 
showed  him  openly  his  bare  head  and  the  bare  left  side ;  and 
when  he  weened  to  have  smitten  him  upon  the  bare  head, 
then  lightly  he  avoided  the  left  leg  and  the  left  side,  and  put 
his  right  hand  and  his  sword  to  that  stroke,  and  so  put  it  on 
side  with  great  sleight ;  and  then  with  great  force  Sir  Launce- 
lot smote  him  on  the  helmet  such  a  buffet  that  the  stroke 
carved  the  head  in  two  parts.  Then  there  was  no  more  to 
do,  but  he  was  drawn  out  of  the  field.  And  at  the  great  in- 
stance of  the  knights  of  the  Table  Round,  the  king  suffered 
him  to  be  interred,  and  the  mention  made  upon  him,  who  slew 
him,  and  for  what  cause  he  was  slain ;  and  then  the  king  and 
the  queen  made  more  of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  more 
he  was  cherished,  than  ever  he  was  aforehand. 


HOW  SIR  URRE  GAT   HIS  WOUNDS         445 

HOW  SIR  URRE  CAME  INTO  ARTHUR'S 
COURT  FOR  TO  BE  HEALED  OF  HIS 
WOUNDS  BY  THE  BEST  KNIGHT  OF  THE 
WORLD,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS  HEALED  BY  SIR 
LAUNCELOT.  Then  as  the  French  book  maketh  mention, 
there  was  a  good  knight  in  the  land  of  Hungary,  his  name  was 
Sir  Urre,  and  he  was  an  adventurous  knight,  and  in  all  places 
where  he  might  hear  of  any  deeds  of  worship  there  would  he 
be.  So  it  happened  in  Spain  there  was  an  earl's  son,  his  name 
was  Alphegus,  and  at  a  great  tournament  in  Spain  this  Sir 
Urre,  knight  of  Hungary,  and  Sir  Alphegus  of  Spain  en- 
countered together  for  very  envy;  and  so  either  undertook 
other  to  the  utterance.  And  by  fortune  Sir  Urre  slew  Sir 
Alphegus,  the  earl's  son  of  Spain ;  but  this  knight  that  was 
slain  had  given  Sir  Urre,  or  ever  he  was  slain,  seven  great 
wounds,  three  on  the  head,  and  four  on  his  body  and  upon  his 
left  hand.  And  this  Sir  Alphegus  had  a  mother,  the  which 
was  a  great  sorceress ;  and  she,  for  the  despite  of  her  son's 
death,  wrought  by  her  subtle  crafts  that  Sir  Urre  should 
never  be  whole,  but  ever  his  wounds  should  one  time  fester 
and  another  time  bleed,  so  that  he  should  never  be  whole  until 
the  best  knight  of  the  world  had  searched  his  wounds ;  and 
thus  she  made  her  avaunt,  wherethrough  it  was  known  that 
Sir  Urre  should  never  be  whole. 

Then  his  mother  let  make  an  horse  litter,  and  put  him 
therein  under  two  palfreys ;  and  then  she  took  Sir  Urre's 
sister  with  him,  a  full  fair  damosel,  whose  name  was  Felelolie  ; 
and  then  she  took  a  page  with  him  to  keep  their  horses,  and 
so  they  led  Sir  Urre  through  many  countries.  For  as  the 
French  book  saith,  she  led  him  so  seven  year  through  all  lands 
christened,  and  never  she  could  find  no  knight  that  might 


446     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

ease  her  son.  So  she  came  into  Scotland  and  into  the  lands 
of  England,  and  by  fortune  she  came  nigh  the  feast  of  Pente- 
cost until  King  Arthur's  court,  that  at  that  time  was  holden 
at  Carlisle.  And  when  she  came  there,  then  she  made  it 
openly  to  be  known  how  that  she  was  come  into  that  land 
for  to  heal  her  son. 

Then  King  Arthur  let  call  that  lady,  and  asked  her  the 
cause  why  she  brought  that  hurt  knight  into  that  land. 
My  most  noble  king,  said  that  lady,  wit  you  well  I  brought 
him  hither  for  to  be  healed  of  his  wounds,  that  of  all  this 
seven  year  he  might  not  be  whole.  And  then  she  told  the 
king  where  he  was  wounded,  and  of  whom ;  and  how  his 
mother  had  made  known  in  her  pride  how  she  had  wrought 
that  by  enchantment,  so  that  he  should  never  be  whole  until 
the  best  knight  of  the  world  had  searched  his  wounds.  And 
so  I  have  passed  through  all  the  lands  christened  to  have 
him  healed,  except  this  land.  And  if  I  fail  to  heal  him 
here  in  this  land,  I  will  never  take  more  pain  upon  me,  and 
that  is  pity,  for  he  was  a  good  knight,  and  of  great  nobleness. 
What  is  his  name  ?  said  Arthur.  My  good  and  gracious 
lord,  she  said,  his  name  is  Sir  Urre  of  the  Mount.  In  good 
time,  said  the  king,  and  sith  ye  are  come  into  this  land,  ye 
are  right  welcome ;  and  wit  you  well  here  shall  your  son  be 
healed,  an  ever  any  Christian  man  may  heal  him.  And  for 
to  give  all  other  men  of  worship  courage,  I  myself  will  assay 
to  handle  your  son,  and  so  shall  all  the  kings,  dukes,  and  earls 
that  be  here  present  with  me  at  this  time ;  thereto  will  I 
command  them,  and  well  I  wot  they  shall  obey  and  do  after 
my  commandment.  And  wit  you  well,  said  King  Arthur 
unto  Urre's  sister,  I  shall  begin  to  handle  him,  and  search 
unto  my  power,  not  presuming  upon  me  that  I  am  so  worthy 


OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND   KING  ARTHUR    447 

to  heal  your  son  by  my  deeds,  but  I  will  courage  other  men 
of  worship  to  do  as  I  will  do.  And  then  the  king  commanded 
all  the  kings,  dukes,  and  earls,  and  all  noble  knights  of  the 
Round  Table  that  were  there  that  time  present,  to  come  into 
the  meadow  of  Carlisle.  And  so  at  that  time  there  were  but 
an  hundred  and  ten  of  the  Round  Table,  for  forty  knights 
were  that  time  away.  All  these  hundred  knights  and  ten 
searched  Sir  Urre's  wounds  by  the  commandment  of  King 
Arthur. 

Mercy,  said  King  Arthur,  where  is  Sir  Launcelot  du 
Lake  that  he  is  not  here  at  this  time  ?  Thus,  as  they  stood 
and  spake  of  many  things,  there  was  espied  Sir  Launcelot 
that  came  riding  toward  them,  and  told  the  king.  Peace, 
said  the  king,  let  no  manner  thing  be  said  until  he  be  come 
to  us.  So  when  Sir  Launcelot  espied  King  Arthur,  he  de- 
scended from  his  horse  and  came  to  the  king,  and  saluted  him 
and  them  all.  Anon  as  the  maid,  Sir  Urre's  sister,  saw  Sir 
Launcelot,  she  ran  to  her  brother  thereas  he  lay  in  his  litter, 
and  said  :  Brother,  here  is  come  a  knight  that  my  heart  giveth 
greatly  unto.  Fair  sister,  said  Sir  Urre,  so  doth  my  heart  light 
against  him,  and  certainly  I  hope  now  to  be  healed,  for  my 
heart  giveth  unto  him  more  than  to  all  these  that  have 
searched  me. 

Then  said  Arthur  unto  Sir  Launcelot :  Ye  must  do  as 
we  have  done ;  and  told  Sir  Launcelot  what  they  had  done, 
and  showed  him  them  all,  that  had  searched  him.  Jesu 
defend  me,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  when  so  many  kings  and 
knights  have  assayed  and  failed,  that  I  should  presume  upon 
me  to  enchieve  that  all  ye,  my  lords,  might  not  enchieve. 
Ye  shall  not  choose,  said  King  Arthur,  for  I  will  command 
you  for  to  do  as  we  all  have  done.  My  most  renowned  lord, 


448     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  know  well  I  dare  not  nor  may  not  dis- 
obey your  commandment,  but  an  I  might  or  durst,  wit  you 
well  I  would  not  take  upon  me  to  touch  that  wounded  knight 
in  that  intent  that  I  should  pass  all  other  knights  ;  Jesu  defend 
me  from  that  shame.  Ye  take  it  wrong,  said  King  Arthur, 
ye  shall  not  do  it  for  no  presumption,  but  for  to  bear  us  fellow- 
ship, insomuch  ye  be  a  fellow  of  the  Table  Round ;  and  wit 
you  well,  said  King  Arthur,  an  ye  prevail  not  and  heal  him, 
I  dare  say  there  is  no  knight  in  this  land  may  heal  him, 
and  therefore  I  pray  you,  do  as  we  have  done. 

And  then  all  the  kings  and  knights  for  the  most  part 
prayed  Sir  Launcelot  to  search  him ;  and  then  the  wounded 
knight,  Sir  Urre,  set  him  up  weakly,  and  prayed  Sir  Launce- 
lot heartily,  saying :  Courteous  knight,  I  require  thee  for 
God's  sake  heal  my  wounds,  for  methinketh  ever  sithen  ye 
came  here  my  wounds  grieve  me  not.  Ah,  my  fair  lord, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  Jesu  would  that  I  might  help  you ;  I 
shame  me  sore  that  I  should  be  thus  rebuked,  for  never 
was  I  able  in  worthiness  to  do  so  high  a  thing.  Then  Sir 
Launcelot  kneeled  down  by  the  wounded  knight  saying : 
My  lord  Arthur,  I  must  do  your  commandment,  the  which 
is  sore  against  my  heart.  And  then  he  held  up  his  hands, 
and  looked  into  the  east,  saying  secretly  unto  himself:  Thou 
blessed  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  I  beseech  thee  of  thy 
mercy,  that  my  simple  worship  and  honesty  be  saved,  and 
thou  blessed  Trinity,  thou  mayst  give  power  to  heal  this  sick 
knight  by  thy  great  virtue  and  grace  of  thee,  but,  Good 
Lord,  never  of  myself.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  prayed  Sir 
Urre  to  let  him  see  his  head ;  and  then  devoutly  kneeling 
he  ransacked  the  three  wounds,  that  they  bled  a  little,  and 
forthwith  all  the  wounds  fair  healed,  and  seemed  as  they 


HOW  SIR  URRE  WAS   HEALED  449 

had  been  whole  a  seven  year.  And  in  likewise  he  searched 
his  body  of  other  three  wounds,  and  they  healed  in  likewise  ; 
and  then  the  last  of  all  he  searched  that  which  was  in  his 
hand,  and  anon  it  healed  fair. 

Then  King  Arthur  and  all  the  kings  and  knights  kneeled 
down  and  gave  thankings  and  lovings  unto  God  and  to 
His  Blessed  Mother.  And  ever  Sir  Launcelot  wept  as  he 
had  been  a  child  that  had  been  beaten.  Then  King  Arthur 
let  array  priests  and  clerks  in  the  most  devoutest  manner, 
to  bring  in  Sir  Urre  within  Carlisle,  with  singing  and  loving 
to  God.  And  when  this  was  done,  the  king  let  clothe  him 
in  the  richest  manner  that  could  be  thought ;  and  then 
were  there  but  few  better  made  knights  in  all  the  court, 
for  he  was  passingly  well  made  and  bigly ;  and  Arthur  asked 
Sir  Urre  how  he  felt  himself.  My  good  lord,  he  said,  I  felt 
myself  never  so  lusty.  Will  ye  joust  and  do  deeds  of  arms  ? 
said  King  Arthur.  Sir,  said  Urre,  and  I  had  all  that  longed 
unto  jousts  I  would  be  soon  ready. 

Then  Arthur  made  a  party  of  hundred  knights  to  be 
against  an  hundred  knights.  And  so  upon  the  morn  they 
jousted  for  a  diamond,  but  there  jousted  none  of  the  dangerous 
knights ;  and  so  for  to  shorten  this  tale,  Sir  Urre  and  Sir 
Lavaine  jousted  best  that  day,  for  there  was  none  of  them 
but  he  overthrew  and  pulled  down  thirty  knights ;  and  then 
by  the  assent  of  all  the  kings  and  lords,  Sir  Urre  and  Sir 
Lavaine  were  made  knights  of  the  Table  Round.  And 
Sir  Lavaine  cast  his  love  unto  Dame  Felelolie,  Sir  Urre's 
sister,  and  then  they  were  wedded  together  with  great  joy, 
and  King  Arthur  gave  to  everych  of  them  a  barony  of  lands. 
And  this  Sir  Urre  would  never  go  from  Sir  Launcelot,  but  he 
and  Sir  Lavaine  awaited  evermore  upon  him ;  and  they  were 

2G 


450     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

in  all  the  court  accounted  for  good  knights,  and  full  desirous 
in  arms ;  and  many  noble  deeds  they  did,  for  they  would 
have  no  rest,  but  ever  sought  adventures. 

HOW  SIR  AGRAVAINE  AND  SIR  MOR- 
DRED  WERE  BUSY  UPON  SIR  GAWAINE 
FOR  TO  DISCLOSE  THE  LOVE  BETWEEN 
SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  QUEEN  GUENEVER. 
In  May  when  every  lusty  heart  flourisheth  and 
bourgeoneth  —  for  as  the  season  is  lusty  to  behold  and  com- 
fortable, so  man  and  woman  rejoice  and  gladden  of  summer 
coming  with  his  fresh  flowers  :  for  winter  with  his  rough  winds 
and  blasts  causeth  a  lusty  man  and  woman  to  cower,  and  sit 
fast  by  the  fire  —  so  in  this  season,  as  in  the  month  of  May, 
befell  a  great  anger  and  unhap  that  stinted  not  till  the  flower 
of  chivalry  of  all  the  world  was  destroyed  and  slain ;  and  all 
was  long  upon  two  unhappy  knights,  the  which  were  named 
Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred,  that  were  brethren  unto  Sir 
Gawaine.  For  this  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred  had  ever 
a  privy  hate  unto  the  queen  Dame  Guenever  and  to  Sir  Launce- 
lot,  and  daily  and  nightly  they  ever  watched  upon  Sir  Launce- 
lot. 

So  it  mishapped,  Sir  Gawaine  and  all  his  brethren  were  in 
King  Arthur's  chamber ;  and  then  Sir  Agravaine  said  thus 
openly,  and  not  in  no  counsel,  that  many  knights  might 
hear  it :  I  marvel  that  we  all  be  not  ashamed  both  to  see 
and  to  know  how  Sir  Launcelot  goeth  with  the  queen,  and 
all  we  know  it  so;  and  it  is  shamefully  suffered  of  us  all, 
that  we  all  should  suffer  so  noble  a  king  as  King  Arthur  is 
so  to  be  shamed. 

Then  spake  Sir  Gawaine,  and  said :    Brother  Sir  Agra- 


OF   SIR  AGRAVAINE  AND   SIR   MORDRED    451 

vaine,  I  pray  you  and  charge  you  move  no  such  matters 
no  more  afore  me ;  for  wit  you  well,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I 
will  not  be  of  your  counsel.  So  God  me  help,  said  Sir  Gaheris 
and  Sir  Gareth,  we  will  not  be  knowing,  brother  Agravaine, 
of  your  deeds.  Then  will  I,  said  Sir  Mordred.  I  lieve  well 
that,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  for  ever  unto  all  unhappiness,  brother 
Sir  Mordred,  thereto  will  ye  grant ;  and  I  would  that  ye 
left  all  this,  and  made  you  not  so  busy,  for  I  know,  said  Sir 
Gawaine,  what  will  fall  of  it.  Fall  of  it  what  fall  may,  said 
Sir  Agravaine,  I  will  disclose  it  to  the  king.  Not  by  my 
counsel,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  for  an  there  rise  war  and  wrack 
betwixt  Sir  Launcelot  and  us,  wit  you  well  brother,  there 
will  many  kings  and  great  lords  hold  with  Sir  Launcelot. 
Also,  brother  Sir  Agravaine,  said  Sir  .Gawaine,  ye  must  re- 
member how  ofttimes  Sir  Launcelot  hath  rescued  the  king 
and  the  queen ;  and  the  best  of  us  all  had  been  full  cold  at 
the  heart-root  had  not  Sir  Launcelot  been  better  than  we, 
and  that  hath  he  proved  himself  full  oft.  And  as  for  my  part, 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  will  never  be  against  Sir  Launcelot  for 
one  day's  deed,  when  he  rescued  me  from  King  Carados  of 
the  Dolorous  Tower,  and  slew  him,  and  saved  my  life.  Also, 
brother  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred,  in  like  wise  Sir  Launce- 
lot rescued  you  both,  and  threescore  and  two,  from  Sir  Tur- 
quin.  Methinketh  brother,  such  kind  deeds  and  kindness 
should  be  remembered.  Do  as  ye  list,  said  Sir  Agravaine, 
for  I  will  hide  it  no  longer.  With  these  words  came  to  them 
King  Arthur.  Now,  brother,  stint  your  noise,  said  Sir  Ga- 
waine. We  will  not,  said  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred. 
Will  ye  so  ?  said  Sir  Gawaine ;  then  God  speed  you,  for  I 
will  not  hear  your  tales  ne  be  of  your  counsel.  No  more  will 
I,  said  Sir  Gareth  and  Sir  Gaheris,  for  we  will  never  say  evil 


452     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

by  that  man;  for  because,  said  Sir  Gareth,  Sir  Launcelot 
made  me  knight,  by  no  manner  owe  I  to  say  ill  of  him.  And 
therewithal  they  three  departed,  making  great  dole.  Alas, 
said  Sir  Gawaine  and  Sir  Gareth,  now  is  this  realm  wholly 
mischieved,  and  the  noble  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table 
shall  be  disparpled :  so  they  departed. 

And  then  Sir  Arthur  asked  them  what  noise  they  made. 
My  lord,  said  Agravaine,  I  shall  tell  you  that  I  may  keep 
no  longer.  Here  is  I,  and  my  brother  Sir  Mordred,  brake 
unto  my  brothers  Sir  Gawaine,  Sir  Gaheris,  and  to  Sir  Gareth, 
how  this  we  know  all,  that  Sir  Launcelot  holdeth  your 
queen,  and  hath  done  long;  and  we  be  your  sister's  sons, 
and  we  may  suffer  it  no  longer,  and  all  we  wot  that  ye  should 
be  above  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  ye  are  the  king  that  made  him 
knight,  and  therefore  we  will  prove  it,  that  he  is  a  traitor 
to  your  person. 

If  it  be  so,  said  Sir  Arthur,  wit  you  well  he  is  none  other, 
but  I  would  be  loath  to  begin  such  a  thing  but  I  might  have 
proofs  upon  it ;  for  Sir  Launcelot  is  an  hardy  knight,  and 
all  ye  know  he  is  the  best  knight  among  us  all ;  and  but 
if  he  be  taken  with  the  deed,  he  will  fight  with  him  that 
bringeth  up  the  noise,  and  I  know  no  knight  that  is  able  to 
match  him.  Therefore  an  it  be  sooth  as  ye  say,  I  would  he 
were  taken  with  the  deed.  For  as  the  French  book  saith, 
the  king  was  full  loath  thereto,  that  any  noise  should  be 
upon  Sir  Launcelot  and  his  queen ;  for  the  king  had  a 
deeming,  but  he  would  not  hear  of  it,  for  Sir  Launcelot  had 
done  so  much  for  him  and  the  queen  so  many  times,  that 
wit  ye  well  the  king  loved  him  passingly  well.  My  lord, 
said  Sir  Agravaine,  ye  shall  ride  to-morn  a-hunting,  and 
doubt  ye  not  Sir  Launcelot  will  not  go  with  you.  Then 


OF   SIR  AGRAVAINE  AND   KING  ARTHUR    453 

when  it  draweth  toward  night,  ye  may  send  the  queen  word 
that  ye  will  lie  out  all  that  night,  and  so  may  ye  send  for 
your  cooks,  and  then  upon  pain  of  death  we  shall  take  him 
that  night  with  the  queen,  and  outher  we  shall  bring  him 
to  you  dead  or  quick.  I  will  well,  said  the  king;  then  I 
counsel  you,  said  the  king,  take  with  you  sure  fellowship. 
Sir,  said  Agravaine,  my  brother,  Sir  Mordred,  and  I,  will  take 
with  us  twelve  knights  of  the  Round  Table.  Beware,  said 
King  Arthur,  for  I  warn  you  ye  shall  find  him  wight.  Let 
us  deal,  said  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred. 

So  on  the  morn  King  Arthur  rode  a-hunting,  and  sent 
word  to  the  queen  that  he  would  be  out  all  that  night.  Then 
Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred  gat  to  them  twelve  knights, 
and  hid  themself  in  a  chamber  in  the  Castle  of  Carlisle,  and 
these  were  their  names :  Sir  Colgrevance,  Sir  Mador  de  la 
Porte,  Sir  Gingaline,  Sir  Meliot  de  Logris,  Sir  Petipase  of 
Winchelsea,  Sir  Galleron  of  Galway,  Sir  Melion  of  the  Moun- 
tain, Sir  Astamore,  Sir  Gromore  Somir  Joure,  Sir  Curselaine, 
Sir  Florence,  Sir  Lovel.  So  these  twelve  knights  were  with 
Sir  Mordred  and  Sir  Agravaine,  and  all  they  were  of  Scotland, 
outher  of  Sir  Gawaine's  kin,  either  well-willers  to  his  brethren. 

So  when  the  night  came,  Sir  Launcelot  told  Sir  Bors 
how  he  would  go  that  night  and  speak  with  the  queen.  Sir, 
said  Sir  Bors,  ye  shall  not  go  this  night  by  my  counsel.  Why  ? 
said  Sir  Launcelot.  Sir,  said  Sir  Bors,  I  dread  me  ever  of 
Sir  Agravaine,  that  waiteth  you  daily  to  do  you  shame  and 
us  all ;  and  never  gave  my  heart  against  no  going,  that  ever 
ye  went  to  the  queen,  so  much  as  now ;  for  I  mistrust  that 
the  king  is  out  this  night  from  the  queen  because  peradven- 
ture  he  hath  lain  some  watch  for  you  and  the  queen,  and 
therefore  I  dread  me  sore  of  treason.  Have  ye  no  dread, 


454     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  I  shall  go  and  come  again,  and  make 
no  tarrying.  Sir,  said  Sir  Bors,  that  me  repenteth,  for  I 
dread  me  sore  that  your  going  out  this  night  shall  wrath  us 
all.  Fair  nephew,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  marvel  much  why 
ye  say  thus,  sithen  the  queen  hath  sent  for  me  ;  and  wit 
ye  well  I  will  not  be  so  much  a  coward,  but  she  shall  under- 
stand I  will  see  her  good  grace.  God  speed  you  well,  said 
Sir  Bors,  and  send  you  sound  and  safe  again. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  ESPIED  IN  THE 
QUEEN'S  CHAMBER,  AND  HOW  SIR  AGRA- 
VAINE  AND  SIR  MORDRED  CAME  WITH 
TWELVE  KNIGHTS  TO  SLAY  HIM.  So  Sir  Launcelot 
departed,  and  took  his  sword  under  his  arm,  and  so  in  his 
mantle  that  noble  knight  put  himself  in  great  jeopardy; 
and  so  he  passed  till  he  came  to  the  queen's  chamber.  And 
then,  as  the  French  book  saith,  there  came  Sir  Agravaine  and 
Sir  Mordred,  with  twelve  knights  with  them  of  the  Round 
Table,  and  they  said  with  crying  voice :  Traitor-knight, 
Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  now  art  thou  taken.  And  thus  they 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,  that  all  the  court  might  hear  it ; 
and  they  all  fourteen  were  armed  at  all  points  as  they  should 
fight  in  a  battle.  Alas,  said  Queen  Guenever,  now  are  we 
mischieved  both.  Madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  is  there  here 
any  armour  within  your  chamber,  that  I  might  cover  my 
poor  body  withal  ?  An  if  there  be  any  give  it  me,  and  I 
shall  soon  stint  their  malice,  by  the  grace  of  God.  Truly, 
said  the  queen,  I  have  none  armour,  shield,  sword,  nor  spear ; 
wherefore  I  dread  me  sore  our  long  love  is  come  to  a  mis- 
chievous end,  for  I  hear  by  their  noise  there  be  many  noble 
knights,  and  well  I  wot  they  be  surely  armed ;  against  them 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS   ESPIED        455 

ye  may  make  no  resistance.  Wherefore  ye  are  likely  to  be 
slain,  and  then  shall  I  be  brent.  For  an  ye  might  escape 
them,  said  the  queen,  I  would  not  doubt  but  that  ye  would 
rescue  me  in  what  danger  that  ever  I  stood  in.  Alas,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  in  all  my  life  thus  was  I  never  bestead,  that 
I  should  be  thus  shamefully  slain  for  lack  of  mine  armour. 

But  ever  in  one  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred  cried : 
Traitor-knight,  come  out  of  the  queen's  chamber,  for  wit 
thou  well  thou  art  so  beset  that  thou  shalt  not  escape.  O 
Jesu  mercy,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  this  shameful  cry  and  noise 
I  may  not  suffer,  for  better  were  death  at  once  than  thus 
to  endure  this  pain.  Then  he  took  the  queen  in  his  arms, 
and  kissed  her,  and  said :  Most  noble  Christian  queen,  I 
beseech  you  as  ye  have  been  ever  my  special  good  lady,  and 
I  at  all  times  your  true  poor  knight  unto  my  power,  and  as 
I  never  failed  you  in  right  nor  in  wrong  sithen  the  first 
day  King  Arthur  made  me  knight,  that  ye  will  pray  for  my 
soul  if  that  I  here  be  slain ;  for  well  I  am  assured  that  Sir 
Bors,  my  nephew,  and  all  the  remnant  of  my  kin,  with  Sir 
Lavaine  and  Sir  Urre,  that  they  will  not  fail  you  to  rescue  you 
from  the  fire ;  and  therefore,  mine  own  lady,  recomfort  your- 
self, whatsomever  come  of  me,  that  ye  go  with  Sir  Bors,  my 
nephew,  and  Sir  Urre,  and  they  all  will  do  you  all  the  pleasure 
that  they  can  or  may,  that  ye  shall  live  like  a  queen  upon 
my  lands.  Nay,  Launcelot,  said  the  queen,  wit  thou  well 
I  will  never  live  after  thy  days,  but  an  thou  be  slain  I  will 
take  my  death  as  meekly  for  Jesu  Christ's  sake  as  ever  did 
any  Christian  queen.  Well,  madam,  said  Launcelot,  sith  it 
is  so  that  the  day  is  come  that  our  love  must  depart,  wit  you 
well  I  shall  sell  my  life  as  dear  as  I  may ;  and  a  thousandfold, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  am  more  heavier  for  you  than  for  my- 


456     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

self.  And  now  I  had  liefer  than  to  be  lord  of  all  Christen- 
dom, that  I  had  sure  armour  upon  me,  that  men  might  speak 
of  my  deeds  or  ever  I  were  slain.  Truly,  said  the  queen,  I 
would  an  it  might  please  God  that  they  would  take  me  and 
slay  me,  and  suffer  you  to  escape.  That  shall  never  be, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  God  defend  me  from  such  a  shame,  but 
Jesu  be  Thou  my  shield  and  mine  armour ! 

And  therewith  Sir  Launcelot  wrapped  his  mantle  about 
his  arm  well  and  surely;  and  by  then  they  had  gotten  a 
great  form  out  of  the  hall,  and  therewithal  they  rashed  at 
the  door.  Fair  lords,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  leave  your  noise 
and  your  rashing,  and  I  shall  set  open  this  door,  and  then 
may  ye  do  with  me  what  it  liketh  you.  Come  off  then, 
said  they  all,  and  do  it,  for  it  availeth  thee  not  to  strive 
against  us  all ;  and  therefore  let  us  into  this  chamber,  and 
we  shall  save  thy  life  until  thou  come  to  King  Arthur.  Then 
Launcelot  unbarred  the  door,  and  with  his  left  hand  he  held 
it  open  a  little,  so  that  but  one  man  might  come  in  at  once ; 
and  so  there  came  striding  a  good  knight,  a  much  man  and 
large,  and  his  name  was  Colgrevance  of  Gore,  and  he  with 
a  sword  struck  at  Sir  Launcelot  mightily ;  and  he  put  aside 
the  stroke,  and  gave  him  such  a  buffet  upon  the  helmet,  that 
he  fell  grovelling  dead  within  the  chamber  door.  And  then 
Sir  Launcelot  with  great  might  drew  that  dead  knight  within 
the  chamber  door ;  and  Sir  Launcelot  with  help  of  the  queen 
and  her  ladies  was  lightly  armed  in  Sir  Colgrevance's  armour. 

And  ever  stood  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Mordred  crying: 
Traitor-knight,  come  out  of  the  queen's  chamber.  Leave 
your  noise,  said  Sir  Launcelot  unto  Sir  Agravaine,  for  wit 
you  well,  Sir  Agravaine,  ye  shall  not  prison  me  this  night ; 
and  therefore  an  ye  do  by  my  counsel,  go  ye  all  from  this 


HOW  LAUNCELOT   SLEW  THE   KNIGHTS    457 

chamber  door,  and  make  not  such  crying  and  such  manner 
of  slander  as  ye  do;  for  I  promise  you  by  my  knighthood, 
an  ye  will  depart  and  make  no  more  noise,  I  shall  as  to-morn 
appear  afore  you  all  before  the  king,  and  then  let  it  be  seen 
which  of  you  all,  outher  else  ye  all,  that  will  accuse  me  of 
treason;  and  there  I  shall  answer  you  as  a  knight  should, 
that  hither  I  came  to  the  queen  for  no  manner  of  mal  engin, 
and  that  will  I  prove  and  make  it  good  upon  you  with  my 
hands.  Fie  on  thee,  traitor,  said  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir 
Mordred,  we  will  have  thee  maugre  thy  head,  and  slay  thee 
if  we  list ;  for  we  let  thee  wit  we  have  the  choice  of  King 
Arthur,  to  save  thee  or  to  slay  thee.  Ah  sirs,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  is  there  none  other  grace  with  you  ?  then  keep 
yourselves. 

So  then  Sir  Launcelot  set  all  open  the  chamber  door, 
and  mightily  and  knightly  he  strode  in  amongst  them ;  and 
anon  at  the  first  buffet  he  slew  Sir  Agravaine.  And  twelve 
of  his  fellows,  within  a  little  while  after,  he  laid  them  cold 
to  the  earth,  for  there  was  none  of  the  twelve  that  might 
stand  Sir  Launcelot  one  buffet.  Also  Sir  Launcelot  wounded 
Sir  Mordred,  and  he  fled  with  all  his  might.  And  then  Sir 
Launcelot  returned  again  unto  the  queen,  and  said :  Madam, 
now  wit  you  well  all  our  true  love  is  brought  to  an  end,  for 
now  will  King  Arthur  ever  be  my  foe ;  and  therefore,  madam, 
an  it  like  you  that  I  may  have  you  with  me,  I  shall 
save  you  from  all  manner  adventures  dangerous.  That  is 
not  best,  said  the  queen ;  meseemeth  now  ye  have  done  so 
much  harm,  it  will  be  best  ye  hold  you  still  with  this.  And 
if  ye  see  that  as  to-morn  they  will  put  me  unto  the  death, 
then  may  ye  rescue  me  as  ye  think  best.  I  will  well,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  for  have  ye  no  doubt,  while  I  am  living  I 


458     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

shall  rescue  you.  And  then  he  kissed  her,  and  either  gave 
other  a  ring ;  and  so  there  he  left  the  queen,  and  went  until 
his  lodging. 

OF  THE  COUNSEL  AND  ADVICE 
THAT  WAS  TAKEN  BY  SIR  LAUNCE- 
LOT AND  HIS  FRIENDS  FOR  TO 
SAVE  THE  QUEEN.  When  Sir  Bors  saw 
Sir  Launcelot  he  was  never  so  glad  of  his  home-coming  as 
he  was  then.  Mercy,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  why  be  ye  all 
armed :  what  meaneth  this  ?  Sir,  said  Sir  Bors,  after  ye 
were  departed  from  us,  we  all  that  be  of  your  blood  and 
your  well-willers  were  so  dretched  that  some  of  us  leapt  out 
of  our  beds  naked,  and  some  in  their  dreams  caught  naked 
swords  in  their  hands ;  therefore,  said  Sir  Bors,  we  deem 
there  is  some  great  strife  at  hand ;  and  then  we  all  deemed 
that  ye  were  betrapped  with  some  treason,  and  therefore  we 
made  us  thus  ready,  what  need  that  ever  ye  were  in. 

My  fair  nephew,  said  Sir  Launcelot  unto  Sir  Bors,  now 
shall  ye  wit  all,  that  this  night  I  was  more  harder  bestead 
than  ever  I  was  in  my  life,  and  yet  I  escaped.  And  so  he 
told  them  all  how  and  in  what  manner,  as  ye  have  heard 
to-fore.  And  therefore,  my  fellows,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I 
pray  you  all  that  ye  will  be  of  good  heart  in  what  need 
somever  I  stand,  for  now  is  war  come  to  us  all.  Sir,  said 
Bors,  all  is  welcome  that  God  sendeth  us,  and  we  have  had 
much  weal  with  you  and  much  worship,  and  therefore  we 
will  take  the  woe  with  you  as  we  have  taken  the  weal.  And 
therefore,  they  said  all  (there  were  many  good  knights), 
look  ye  take  no  discomfort,  for  there  nis  no  bands  of  knights 
under  heaven  but  we  shall  be  able  to  grieve  them  as  much 


HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  TOOK  COUNSEL     459 

as  they  may  us.  And  therefore  discomfort  not  yourself  by 
no  manner,  and  we  shall  gather  together  that  we  love,  and 
that  loveth  us,  and  what  that  ye  will  have  done  shall  be  done. 
And  therefore,  Sir  Launcelot,  said  they,  we  will  take  the 
woe  with  the  weal.  Gramercy,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  of  your 
good  comfort,  for  in  my  great  distress,  my  fair  nephew,  ye 
comfort  me  greatly,  and  much  I  am  beholding  unto  you. 
But  this,  my  fair  nephew,  I  would  that  ye  did  in  all  haste 
that  ye  may,  or  it  be  forth-days,  that  ye  will  look  in  their 
lodging  that  be  lodged  here  nigh  about  the  king,  which  will 
hold  with  me,  and  which  will  not,  for  now  I  would  know 
which  were  my  friends  from  my  foes.  Sir,  said  Sir  Bors, 
I  shall  do  my  pain,  and  or  it  be  seven  of  the  clock  I  shall 
wit  of  such  as  ye  have  said  before,  who  will  hold  with  you. 

Then  Sir  Bors  called  unto  him  Sir  Lionel,  Sir  Ector  de 
Maris,  Sir  Blamore  de  Ganis,  Sir  Bleoberis  de  Ganis,  Sir 
Gahalantine,  Sir  Galihodin,  Sir  Galihud,  Sir  Menadeuke, 
Sir  Villiers  the  Valiant,  Sir  Hebes  le  Renoumes,  Sir  Lavaine, 
Sir  Urre  of  Hungary,  Sir  Nerounes,  Sir  Plenorius.  These 
two  knights  Sir  Launcelot  made,  and  the  one  he  won  upon 
a  bridge,  and  therefore  they  would  never  be  against  him. 
And  Harry  le  Fise  du  Lake,  and  Sir  Selises  of  the  Dolorous 
Tower,  and  Sir  Melias  de  Lile,  and  Sir  Bellangere  le  Beuse, 
that  was  Sir  Alisander's  son  Le  Orphelin,  because  his  mother 
Alice  le  Beale  Pellerin  was  kin  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  he  held 
with  him.  So  there  came  Sir  Palomides  and  Sir  Safere,  his 
brother,  to  hold  with  Sir  Launcelot,  and  Sir  Clegis  of  Sadok, 
and  Sir  Dinas,  Sir  Clarius  of  Cleremont.  So  these  two-and- 
twenty  knights  drew  them  together,  and  by  then  they  were 
armed  on  horseback,  and  promised  Sir  Launcelot  to  do  what 
he  would.  Then  there  fell  to  them,  what  of  North  Wales 


460     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

and  of  Cornwall,  for  Sir  Lamorak's  sake  and  for  Sir  Tristram's 
sake,  to  the  number  of  a  fourscore  knights. 

My  lords,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  wit  you  well,  I  have  been 
ever  since  I  came  into  this  country  well  willed  unto  my 
lord,  King  Arthur,  and  unto  my  lady,  Queen  Guenever, 
unto  my  power ;  and  this  night  because  my  lady  the  queen 
sent  for  me  to  speak  with  her,  I  suppose  it  was  made  by 
treason,  howbeit  I  dare  largely  excuse  her  person,  notwith- 
standing I  was  there  by  a  forecast  near  slain,  but  as  Jesu 
provided  me  I  escaped  all  their  malice  and  treason.  And 
then  that  noble  knight  Sir  Launcelot  told  them  all  how  he 
was  hard  bestead  in  the  queen's  chamber,  and  how  and  in 
what  manner  he  escaped  from  them.  And  therefore,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  wit  you  well,  my  fair  lords,  I  am  sure  there 
nis  but  war  unto  me  and  mine.  And  for  because  I  have 
slain  this  night  these  knights,  I  wot  well  as  is  Sir  Agravaine 
Sir  Gawaine's  brother,  and  at  the  least  twelve  of  his  fellows, 
for  this  cause  now  I  am  sure  of  mortal  war,  for  these  knights 
were  sent  and  ordained  by  King  Arthur  to  betray  me. 
And  therefore  the  king  will  in  his  heat  and  malice  judge 
the  queen  to  the  fire,  and  that  may  I  not  suffer,  that  she 
should  be  brent  for  my  sake;  for  an  I  may  be  heard  and 
suffered  and  so  taken,  I  will  fight  for  the  queen,  that  she  is 
a  true  lady  unto  her  lord ;  but  the  king  in  his  heat,  I  dread 
me,  will  not  take  me  as  I  ought  to  be  taken. 

My  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  said  Sir  Bors,  by  mine  advice  ye 
shall  take  the  woe  with  the  weal,  and  take  it  in  patience, 
and  thank  God  of  it.  And  sithen  it  is  fallen  as  it  is,  I  counsel 
you  keep  yourself,  for  an  ye  will  yourself,  there  is  no 
fellowship  of  knights  christened  that  shall  do  you  wrong. 
Also  I  will  counsel  you  my  lord,  Sir  Launcelot,  than  an  my 


OF  THE  COUNSEL  TO  SAVE  THE  QUEEN    461 

lady,  Queen  Guenever,  be  in  distress,  insomuch  as  she  is 
in  pain  for  your  sake,  that  ye  knightly  rescue  her;  an  ye 
did  otherwise,  all  the  world  will  speak  of  you  shame  to  the 
world's  end.  Insomuch  as  ye  were  taken  with  her,  whether 
ye  did  right  or  wrong,  it  is  now  your  part  to  hold  with 
the  queen,  that  she  be  not  slain  and  put  to  a  mischievous 
death ;  for  an  she  so  die  the  shame  shall  be  yours.  Jesu 
defend  me  from  shame,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  and  keep  and 
save  my  lady  the  queen  from  villainy  and  shameful  death, 
and  that  she  never  be  destroyed  in  my  default ;  wherefore 
my  fair  lords,  my  kin,  and  my  friends,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
what  will  ye  do?  Then  they  said  all:  We  will  do  as  ye 
will  do.  I  put  this  to  you,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  if  my 
lord  Arthur  by  evil  counsel  will  to-morn  in  his  heat  put  my 
lady  the  queen  to  the  fire  there  to  be  brent,  now  I  pray  you 
counsel  me  what  is  best  to  do.  Then  they  said  all  at  once 
with  one  voice :  Sir,  us  thinketh  best  that  ye  knightly  rescue 
the  queen;  insomuch  as  she  shall  be  brent  it  is  for  your 
sake,  and  it  is  to  suppose,  and  ye  might  be  handled,  ye 
should  have  the  same  death,  or  a  more  shamefuller  death. 
And  sir,  we  say  all,  that  ye  have  many  times  rescued  her 
from  death  for  other  men's  quarrels,  us  seemeth  it  is  more 
your  worship  that  ye  rescue  the  queen  from  this  peril,  inso- 
much she  hath  it  for  your  sake. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  stood  still,  and  said :  My  fair  lords, 
wit  you  well  I  would  be  loath  to  do  that  thing  that  should 
dishonour  you  or  my  blood,  and  wit  you  well  I  would  be 
loath  that  my  lady,  the  queen,  should  die  a  shameful  death ; 
but  an  it  be  so  that  ye  will  counsel  me  to  rescue  her,  I  must 
do  much  harm  ere  I  rescue  her;  and  peradventure  I  shall 
there  destroy  some  of  my  best  friends,  that  should  much 


462     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

repent  me ;  and  peradventure  there  be  some,  an  they  could 
well  bring  it  about,  or  disobey  my  lord  King  Arthur,  they 
would  soon  come  to  me,  the  which  I  were  loath  to  hurt.  And 
if  so  be  that  I  rescue  her,  where  shall  I  keep  her?  That 
shall  be  the  least  care  of  us  all,  said  Sir  Bors.  How  did 
the  noble  knight  Sir  Tristram,  by  your  good  will  ?  kept 
not  he  with  him  La  Beale  Isoud  near  three  year  in  Joyous 
Card  ?  and  that  same  place  is  your  own  ;  and  in  like  wise  may 
ye  do  an  ye  list,  and  take  the  queen  lightly  away,  if  it  so  be 
the  king  will  judge  her  to  be  brent ;  and  in  Joyous  Card 
ye  may  keep  her  long  enough  until  the  heat  of  the  king  be 
past.  And  then  shall  ye  bring  again  the  queen  to  the  king 
with  great  worship ;  and  then  peradventure  ye  shall  have 
thank  for  her  bringing  home,  and  love  and  thank  where  other 
shall  have  maugre. 

That  is  hard  to  do,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  for  by  Sir  Tristram 
I  may  have  a  warning ;  for  when  by  means  of  treaties,  Sir 
Tristram  brought  again  La  Beale  Isoud  unto  King  Mark 
from  Joyous  Card,  look  what  befell  on  the  end,  how  shame- 
fully that  false  traitor  King  Mark  slew  him  as  he  sat  harping 
afore  his  lady  La  Beale  Isoud,  with  a  grounden  glaive  he 
thrust  him  in  behind  to  the  heart.  It  grieveth  me,  said  Sir 
Launcelot,  to  speak  of  his  death,  for  all  the  world  may  not 
find  such  a  knight.  All  this  is  truth,  said  Sir  Bors,  but  there 
is  one  thing  shall  courage  you  and  us  all,  ye  know  well  King 
Arthur  and  King  Mark  were  never  like  of  conditions,  for 
there  was  never  yet  man  could  prove  King  Arthur  untrue  of 
his  promise. 

So  to  make  short  tale,  they  were  all  consented  that  for 
better  or  for  worse,  if  so  were  that  the  queen  were  on  that 
morn  brought  to  the  fire,  shortly  they  all  would  rescue  her. 


HOW  SIR   MORDRED  TOLD   KING  ARTHUR    463 

And  so  by  the  advice  of  Sir  Launcelot,  they  put  them  all 
in  an  embushment  in  a  wood,  as  nigh  Carlisle  as  they  might, 
and  there  they  abode  still,  to  wit  what  the  king  would  do. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  HIS  KINSMEN 
RESCUED  THE  QUEEN  FROM  THE  FIRE, 
AND  HOW  HE  SLEW  MANY  KNIGHTS, 
AND  OF  THE  SORROW  OF  KING  ARTHUR. 
Now  turn  we  again  unto  Sir  Mordred,  that  when  he  was 
escaped  from  the  noble  knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  he  anon  gat 
his  horse  and  mounted  upon  him,  and  rode  unto  King  Arthur, 
sore  wounded  and  smitten,  and  all  forblcd ;  and  there  he 
told  the  king  all  how  it  was,  and  how  they  were  all  slain 
save  himself  all  only.  Jesu  mercy,  how  may  this  be  ?  said 
the  king ;  took  ye  him  in  the  queen's  chamber  ?  Yea,  so 
God  me  help,  said  Sir  Mordred,  there  we  found  him  un- 
armed, and  there  he  slew  Colgrevance,  and  armed  him  in 
his  armour ;  and  all  this  he  told  the  king  from  the  beginning 
to  the  ending.  Jesu  mercy,  said  the  king,  he  is  a  marvel- 
lous knight  of  prowess.  Alas,  me  sore  repenteth,  said  the 
king,  that  ever  Sir  Launcelot  should  be  against  me.  Now 
I  am  sure  the  noble  fellowship  of  the  Round  Table  is  broken 
for  ever,  for  with  him  will  many  a  noble  knight  hold  ;  and 
now  it  is  fallen  so,  said  the  king,  that  I  may  not  with  my 
worship,  but  the  queen  must  suffer  the  death.  So  then 
there  was  made  great  ordinance  in  this  heat,  that  the  queen 
must  be  judged  to  the  death.  And  the  law  was  such  in 
those  days  that  whatsomever  they  were,  of  what  estate  or 
degree,  if  they  were  found  guilty  of  treason,  there  should  be 
none  other  remedy  but  death ;  and  outher  the  men  or  the 
taking  with  the  deed  should  be  causer  of  their  hasty  judg- 


464     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

ment.  And  right  so  was  it  ordained  for  Queen  Guenever, 
because  Sir  Mordred  was  escaped  sore  wounded,  and  the 
death  of  thirteen  knights  of  the  Round  Table.  These  proofs 
and  experiences  caused  King  Arthur  to  command  the  queen 
to  the  fire  there  to  be  brent. 

Then  spake  Sir  Gawaine,  and  said :  My  lord  Arthur,  I 
would  counsel  you  not  to  be  over-hasty,  but  that  ye  would 
put  it  in  respite,  this  judgment  of  my  lady  the  queen,  for 
many  causes.  One  it  is,  though  it  were  so  that  Sir  Launcelot 
were  found  in  the  queen's  chamber,  yet  it  might  be  so  that 
he  came  thither  for  none  evil ;  for  ye  know  my  lord,  said 
Sir  Gawaine,  that  the  queen  is  much  beholden  unto  Sir 
Launcelot,  more  than  unto  any  other  knight,  for  ofttimes 
he  hath  saved  her  life,  and  done  battle  for  her  when  all  the 
court  refused  the  queen ;  and  peradventure  she  sent  for 
him  for  goodness  and  for  none  evil,  to  reward  him  for  his 
good  deeds  that  he  had  done  to  her  in  times  past.  And 
peradventure  my  lady,  the  queen,  sent  for  him  to  that  intent 
that  Sir  Launcelot  should  come  to  her  good  grace  privily 
and  secretly,  weening  to  her  that  it  was  best  so  to  do,  in 
eschewing  and  dreading  of  slander ;  for  ofttimes  we  do  many 
things  that  we  ween  it  be  for  the  best,  and  yet  peradventure 
it  turneth  to  the  worst.  For  I  dare  say,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
my  lady,  your  queen,  is  to  you  both  good  and  true ;  and 
as  for  Sir  Launcelot,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  dare  say  he  will 
make  it  good  upon  any  knight  living  that  will  put  upon 
himself  villainy  or  shame,  and  in  like  wise  he  will  make  good 
for  my  lady,  Dame  Guenever. 

That  I  believe  well,  said  King  Arthur,  but  I  will  not 
that  way  with  Sir  Launcelot,  for  he  trusteth  so  much  upon 
his  hands  and  his  might  that  he  doubteth  no  man  ;  and  there- 


HOW  QUEEN  GUENEVER  WAS   RESCUED    465 

fore  for  my  queen  he  shall  never  fight  more,  for  she  shall 
have  the  law.  And  if  I  may  get  Sir  Launcelot,  wit  you 
well  he  shall  have  a  shameful  death.  Jesu  defend,  said  Sir 
Gawaine,  that  I  may  never  see  it.  Why  say  ye  so  ?  said 
King  Arthur ;  forsooth  ye  have  no  cause  to  love  Sir  Launce- 
lot, for  this  night  last  past  he  slew  your  brother,  Sir  Agra- 
vaine,  a  full  good  knight,  and  almost  he  had  slain  your  other 
brother,  Sir  Mordred,  and  also  there  he  slew  thirteen  noble 
knights ;  and  also,  Sir  Gawaine,  remember  ye  he  slew  two 
sons  of  yours,  Sir  Florence  and  Sir  Lovel.  My  lord,  said 
Sir  Gawaine,  of  all  this  I  have  knowledge,  of  whose  deaths 
I  repent  me  sore ;  but  insomuch  I  gave  them  warning,  and 
told  my  brethren  and  my  sons  aforehand  what  would  fall  in  the 
end,  insomuch  they  would  not  do  by  my  counsel,  I  will  not 
meddle  me  thereof,  nor  revenge  me  nothing  of  their  deaths ; 
for  I  told  them  it  was  no  bote  to  strive  with  Sir  Launcelot. 
Howbeit  I  am  sorry  of  the  death  of  my  brethren  and  of  my 
sons,  for  they  are  the  causers  of  their  own  death ;  for  oft- 
times  I  warned  my  brother  Sir  Agravaine,  and  I  told  him  the 
perils  the  which  be  now  fallen. 

Then  said  the  noble  King  Arthur  to  Sir  Gawaine :  Dear 
nephew,  I  pray  you  make  you  ready  in  your  best  armour, 
with  your  brethren,  Sir  Gaheris  and  Sir  Gareth,  to  bring 
my  queen  to  the  fire,  there  to  have  her  judgment  and  receive 
the  death.  Nay,  my  most  noble  lord,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
that  will  I  never  do ;  for  wit  you  well  I  will  never  be  in  that 
place  where  so  noble  a  queen  as  is  my  lady,  Dame  Guenever, 
shall  take  a  shameful  end.  For  wit  you  well,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
my  heart  will  never  serve  me  to  see  her  die ;  and  it  shall 
never  be  said  that  ever  I  was  of  your  counsel  of  her  death. 

Then  said  the  king  to  Sir  Gawaine :   Suffer  your  brothers 

2H    . 


466     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

Sir  Gaheris  and  Sir  Gareth  to  be  there.  My  lord,  said  Sir 
Gawaine,  wit  you  well  they  will  be  loath  to  be  there  present, 
because  of  many  adventures  the  which  be  like  there  to  fall, 
but  they  are  young  and  full  unable  to  say  you  nay.  Then 
spake  Sir  Gaheris,  and  the  good  knight  Sir  Gareth,  unto  Sir 
Arthur :  Sir,  ye  may  well  command  us  to  be  there,  but  wit 
you  well  it  shall  be  sore  against  our  will ;  but  an  we  be  there 
by  your  strait  commandment  ye  shall  plainly  hold  us  there 
excused :  we  will  be  there  in  peaceable  wise,  and  bear  none 
harness  of  war  upon  us.  In  the  name  of  God,  said  the  king, 
then  make  you  ready,  for  she  shall  soon  have  her  judgment 
anon.  Alas,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  that  ever  I  should  endure 
to  see  this  woful  day.  So  Sir  Gawaine  turned  him  and  wept 
heartily,  and  so  he  went  into  his  chamber ;  and  then  the 
queen  was  led  forth  without  Carlisle,  and  there  she  was 
despoiled  into  her  smock.  And  so  then  her  ghostly  father 
was  brought  to  her,  to  be  shriven  of  her  misdeeds.  Then 
was  there  weeping,  and  wailing,  and  wringing  of  hands, 
of  many  lords  and  ladies,  but  there  were  but  few  in  compar- 
ison that  would  bear  any  armour  for  to  strength  the  death 
of  the  queen. 

Then  was  there  one  that  Sir  Launcelot  had  sent  unto 
that  place  for  to  espy  what  time  the  queen  should  go  unto 
her  death ;  and  anon  as  he  saw  the  queen  despoiled  into 
her  smock,  and  so  shriven,  then  he  gave  Sir  Launcelot  warn- 
ing. Then  was  there  but  spurring  and  plucking  up  of 
horses,  and  right  so  they  came  to  the  fire.  And  who  that 
stood  against  them,  there  were  they  slain ;  there  might  none 
withstand  Sir  Launcelot,  so  all  that  bare  arms  and  withstood 
them,  there  were  they  slain,  full  many  a  noble  knight.  For 
there  was  slain  Sir  Belliance  le  Orgulous,  Sir  Segwarides, 


OF  THE   KING'S   SORROW  FOR   SIR   GARETH    467 

Sir  Griflet,  Sir  Brandiles,  Sir  Aglovale,  Sir  Tor ;  Sir  Gauter, 
Sir  Gillimer,  Sir  Reynolds'  three  brethren ;  Sir  Damas,  Sir 
Priamus,  Sir  Kay  the  Stranger,  Sir  Driant,  Sir  Lambegus, 
Sir  Herminde ;  Sir  Pertilope,  Sir  Perimones,  two  brethren 
that  were  called  the  Green  Knight  and  the  Red  Knight. 
And  so  in  this  rashing  and  hurling,  as  Sir  Launcelot  thrang 
here  and  there,  it  mishapped  him  to  slay  Gaheris  and  Sir 
Gareth,  the  noble  knight,  for  they  were  unarmed  and  un- 
ware.  For  as  the  French  book  saith,  Sir  Launcelot  smote  Sir 
Gareth  and  Sir  Gaheris  upon  the  brain-pans,  where-through 
they  were  slain  in  the  field  ;  howbeit  in  very  truth  Sir  Launce- 
lot saw  them  not,  and  so  were  they  found  dead  among  the 
thickest  of  the  press. 

Then  when  Sir  Launcelot  had  thus  done,  and  slain  and 
put  to  flight  all  that  would  withstand  him,  then  he  rode 
straight  unto  Dame  Guenever,  and  made  a  kirtle  and  a  gown 
to  be  cast  upon  her ;  and  then  he  made  her  to  be  set  behind 
him,  and  prayed  her  to  be  of  good  cheer.  Wit  you  well  the 
queen  was  glad  that  she  was  escaped  from  the  death ;  and 
then  she  thanked  God  and  Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  he  rode 
his  way  with  the  queen,  as  the  French  book  saith,  unto  Joy- 
ous Card,  and  there  he  kept  her  as  a  noble  knight  should 
do ;  and  many  great  lords  and  some  kings  sent  Sir  Launcelot 
many  good  knights,  and  many  noble  knights  drew  unto 
Sir  Launcelot.  When  this  was  known  openly,  that  King 
Arthur  and  Sir  Launcelot  were  at  debate,  many  knights 
were  glad  of  their  debate,  and  many  were  full  heavy  of  their 
debate. 


468     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

HOW  KING  ARTHUR  AT  THE  RE- 
QUEST OF  SIR  GAWAINE  CON- 
CLUDED TO  MAKE  WAR  AGAINST  SIR 
LAUNCELOT,  AND  LAID  SIEGE  TO 
HIS  CASTLE  CALLED  JOYOUS  CARD. 
So  turn  we  again  unto  King  Arthur,  that  when  it  was  told  him 
how  and  in  what  manner  of  wise  the  queen  was  taken  away 
from  the  fire,  and  when  he  heard  of  the  death  of  his  noble 
knights,  and  in  especial  of  Sir  Gaheris  and  Sir  Gareth's  death, 
then  the  king  swooned  for  pure  sorrow.  And  when  he  awoke 
of  his  swoon,  then  he  said :  Alas,  that  ever  I  bare  crown 
upon  my  head !  for  now  have  I  lost  the  fairest  fellowship 
of  noble  knights  that  ever  Christian  king  held  together. 
Alas,  my  good  knights  be  slain  away  from  me :  now  within 
these  two  days  I  have  lost  forty  knights,  and  also  the  noble 
fellowship  of  Sir  Launcelot  and  his  blood,  for  now  I  may 
never  hold  them  together  no  more  with  my  worship.  Alas 
that  ever  this  war  began.  Now  fair  fellows,  said  the  king ; 
I  charge  you  that  no  man  tell  Sir  Gawaine  of  the  death  of 
his  two  brethren ;  for  I  am  sure,  said  the  king,  when  Sir 
Gawaine  heareth  tell  that  Sir  Gareth  is  dead  he  will  go  nigh 
out  of  his  mind.  Mercy  Jesu,  said  the  king,  why  slew  he 
Sir  Gareth  and  Sir  Gaheris,  for  I  dare  say  as  for  Sir  Gareth 
he  loved  Sir  Launcelot  above  all  men  earthly.  That  is  truth, 
said  some  knights,  but  they  were  slain  in  the  hurtling  as 
Sir  Launcelot  thrang  in  the  thick  of  the  press ;  and  as  they 
were  unarmed  he  smote  them  and  wist  not  whom  that  he 
smote,  and  so  unhappily  they  were  slain.  The  death  of 
them,  said  Arthur,  will  cause  the  greatest  mortal  war  that 
ever  was ;  I  am  sure,  wist  Sir  Gawaine  that  Sir  Gareth  were 
slain,  I  should  never  have  rest  of  him  till  I  had  destroyed 


OF   KING  ARTHUR  AND   SIR  GAWAINE     469 

Sir  Launcelot's  kin  and  himself  both,  or  else  he  to  destroy 
me.  And  therefore,  said  the  king,  wit  you  well  my  heart 
was  never  so  heavy  as  it  is  now,  and  much  more  I  am  sorrier 
for  my  good  knights'  loss  than  for  the  loss  of  my  fair  queen ; 
for  queens  I  might  have  enow,  but  such  a  fellowship  of  good 
knights  shall  never  be  together  in  no  company.  And  now 
I  dare  say,  said  King  Arthur,  there  was  never  Christian 
king  held  such  a  fellowship  together;  and  alas  that  ever 
Sir  Launcelot  and  I  should  be  at  debate.  Ah  Agravaine, 
Agravaine,  said  the  king,  Jesu  forgive  it  thy  soul,  for  thine 
evil  will,  that  thou,  and  thy  brother  Sir  Mordred,  hadst  unto 
Sir  Launcelot,  hath  caused  all  this  sorrow :  and  ever  among 
these  complaints  the  king  wept  and  swooned. 

Then  there  came  one  unto  Sir  Gawaine,  and  told  him 
how  the  queen  was  led  away  with  Sir  Launcelot,  and  nigh 
a  twenty-four  knights  slain.  O  Jesu  defend  my  brethren, 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  for  full  well  wist  I  that  Sir  Launcelot 
would  rescue  her,  outher  else  he  would  die  in  that  field  ; 
and  to  say  the  truth  he  had  not  been  a  man  of  worship  had 
he  not  rescued  the  queen  that  day,  insomuch  she  should 
have  been  brent  for  his  sake.  And  as  in  that,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
he  hath  done  but  knightly,  and  as  I  would  have  done  my- 
self an  I  had  stood  in  like  case.  But  where  are  my  brethren  ? 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  marvel  I  hear  not  of  them.  Truly,  said 
that  man,  Sir  Gareth  and  Sir  Gaheris  be  slain.  Jesu  de- 
fend, said  Sir  Gawaine,  for  all  the  world  I  would  not  that 
they  were  slain,  and  in  especial  my  good  brother,  Sir  Gareth. 
Sir,  said  the  man,  he  is  slain,  and  that  is  great  pity.  Who 
slew  him  ?  said  Sir  Gawaine.  Sir,  said  the  man,  Launcelot 
slew  them  both.  That  may  I  not  believe,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
that  ever  he  slew  my  brother,  Sir  Gareth ;  for  I  dare  say  my 


470     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

brother  Gareth  loved  him  better  than  me,  and  all  his  brethren, 
and  the  king  both.  Also  I  dare  say,  an  Sir  Launcelot  had 
desired  my  brother,  Sir  Gareth,  with  him  he  would  have  been 
with  him  against  the  king  and  us  all,  and  therefore  I  may 
never  believe  that  Sir  Launcelot  slew  my  brother.  Sir, 
said  this  man,  it  is  noised  that  he  slew  him. 

Alas,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  now  is  my  joy  gone.  And  then 
he  fell  down  and  swooned,  and  long  he  lay  there  as  he  had 
been  dead.  And  then,  when  he  arose  of  his  swoon,  he  cried 
out  sorrowfully,  and  said :  Alas  !  And  right  so  Sir  Gawaine 
ran  to  the  king,  crying  and  weeping :  O  King  Arthur,  mine 
uncle,  my  good  brother  Sir  Gareth  is  slain,  and  so  is  my 
brother  Sir  Gaheris,  the  which  were  two  noble  knights.  Then 
the  king  wept,  and  he  both ;  and  so  they  fell  a-swooning. 
And  when  they  were  revived  then  spake  Sir  Gawaine :  Sir, 
I  will  go  see  my  brother,  Sir  Gareth.  Ye  may  not  see  him, 
said  the  king,  for  I  caused  him  to  be  interred,  and  Sir  Gaheris 
both ;  for  I  well  understood  that  ye  would  make  over-much 
sorrow,  and  the  sight  of  Sir  Gareth  should  have  caused  your 
double  sorrow.  Alas,  my  lord,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  how  slew 
he  my  brother,  Sir  Gareth  ?  Mine  own  good  lord  I  pray 
you  tell  me.  Truly,  said  the  king,  I  shall  tell  you  how  it  is 
told  me,  Sir  Launcelot  slew  him  and  Sir  Gaheris  both.  Alas, 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  they  bare  none  arms  against  him,  neither 
of  them  both.  I  wot  not  how  it  was,  said  the  king,  but  as 
it  is  said,  Sir  Launcelot  slew  them  both  in  the  thickest  of  the 
press  and  knew  them  not ;  and  therefore  let  us  shape  a  remedy 
for  to  revenge  their  deaths. 

My  king,  my  lord,  and  mine  uncle,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
wit  you  well  now  I  shall  make  you  a  promise  that  I  shall 
hold  by  my  knighthood,  that  from  this  day  I  shall  never 


HOW  ARTHUR   BESIEGED   LAUNCELOT      471 

fail  Sir  Launcelot,  until  the  one  of  us  have  slain  the  other. 
And  therefore  I  require  you,  my  lord  and  king,  dress  you 
to  the  war,  for  wit  you  well  I  will  be  revenged  upon  Sir  Launce- 
lot ;  and  therefore,  as  ye  will  have  my  service  and  my  love, 
now  haste  you  thereto,  and  assay  your  friends.  For  I  prom- 
ise unto  God,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  for  the  death  of  my  brother, 
Sir  Gareth,  I  shall  seek  Sir  Launcelot  throughout  seven 
kings'  realms,  but  I  shall  slay  him  or  else  he  shall  slay  me. 
Ye  shall  not  need  to  seek  him  so  far,  said  the  king,  for  as  I 
hear  say,  Sir  Launcelot  will  abide  me  and  you  in  the  Joyous 
Card ;  and  much  people  draweth  unto  him,  as  I  hear  say. 
That  may  I  believe,  said  Sir  Gawaine ;  but  my  lord,  he  said, 
assay  your  friends,  and  I  will  assay  mine.  It  shall  be  done, 
said  the  king,  and  as  I  suppose  I  shall  be  big  enough  to  draw 
him  out  of  the  biggest  tower  of  his  castle. 

So  then  the  king  sent  letters  and  waits  throughout  all 
England,  both  in  the  length  and  the  breadth,  for  to  assummon 
all  his  knights.  Thereof  heard  Sir  Launcelot,  and  purveyed 
him  of  many  good  knights,  for  with  him  held  many  knights, 
and  some  for  his  own  sake,  and  some  for  the  queen's  sake. 
Then  came  King  Arthur  with  Sir  Gawaine  with  an  huge  host, 
and  laid  a  siege  all  about  Joyous  Gard,  both  at  the  town  and 
at  the  castle,  and  there  they  made  strong  war  on  both  parties. 
But  in  no  wise  Sir  Launcelot  would  ride  out,  nor  go  out  of 
his  castle,  of  long  time ;  neither  he  would  none  of  his  good 
knights  to  issue  out,  neither  none  of  the  town  nor  of  the  castle, 
until  fifteen  weeks  were  past. 

Then  it  befell  upon  a  day  in  harvest  time,  Sir  Launcelot 
looked  over  the  walls,  and  spake  on  high  unto  King  Arthur 
and  Sir  Gawaine :  My  lords  both,  wit  ye  well  all  is  in  vain 
that  ye  make  at  this  siege,  for  here  win  ye  no  worship  but 


472     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

maugre  and  dishonour;  for  an  it  list  me  to  come  myself 
out  and  my  good  knights,  I  should  full  soon  make  an  end  of 
this  war.  Come  forth,  said  Arthur  unto  Launcelot,  an  thou 
durst,  and  I  promise  thee  I  shall  meet  thee  in  midst  of  the 
field.  God  defend  me,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  ever  I  should 
encounter  with  the  most  noble  king  that  made  me  knight. 
Fie  upon  thy  fair  language,  said  the  king,  for  wit  you  well 
and  trust  it,  I  am  thy  mortal  foe,  and  ever  will  to  my  death 
day ;  for  thou  hast  slain  my  good  knights,  and  full  noble  men 
of  my  blood,  that  I  shall  never  recover  again.  Also  thou 
hast  dishonoured  my  queen,  and  holden  her  many  winters, 
and  sithen  like  a  traitor  taken  her  from  me  by  force. 

My  most  noble  lord  and  king,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye 
may  say  what  ye  will,  for  ye  wot  well  with  yourself  will  I 
not  strive  ;  but  thereas  ye  say  I  have  slain  your  good  knights, 
I  wot  well  that  I  have  done  so,  and  that  me  sore  repenteth ; 
but  I  was  enforced  to  do  battle  with  them  in  saving  of  my 
life,  or  else  I  must  have  suffered  them  to  have  slain  me. 
And  as  for  my  lady,  Queen  Guenever,  except  your  person 
of  your  highness,  and  my  lord  Sir  Gawaine,  there  is  no  knight 
under  heaven  that  dare  make  it  good  upon  me,  that  ever 
I  was  a  traitor  unto  your  person.  And  where  it  please 
you  to  say  that  I  have  holden  my  lady  your  queen  many 
winters,  unto  that  I  shall  ever  make  a  large  answer,  and 
prove  it  upon  any  knight  that  beareth  the  life,  except  your 
person  and  Sir  Gawaine,  that  my  lady,  Queen  Guenever, 
is  a  true  lady  unto  your  person  as  any  is  living  unto  her 
lord,  and  that  will  I  make  good  with  my  hands.  Howbeit 
it  hath  like  her  good  grace  to  have  me  in  chierte,  and  to 
cherish  me  more  than  any  other  knight ;  and  unto  my  power 
I  again  have  deserved  her  love,  for  ofttimes,  my  lord,  ye 


HOW  GAWAINE   BLEW  UPON  LAUNCELOT    473 

have  consented  that  she  should  be  brent  and  destroyed,  in 
your  heat,  and  then  it  fortuned  me  to  do  battle  for  her, 
and  ere  I  departed  from  her  adversary  they  confessed  their 
untruth,  and  she  full  worshipfully  excused.  And  at  such 
times,  my  lord  Arthur,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  ye  loved  me,  and 
thanked  me  when  I  saved  your  queen  from  the  fire;  and 
then  ye  promised  me  for  ever  to  be  my  good  lord ;  and  now 
methinketh  ye  reward  me  full  ill  for  my  good  service.  And 
my  good  lord,  meseemeth  I  had  lost  a  great  part  of  my  wor- 
ship in  my  knighthood  an  I  had  suffered  my  lady,  your 
queen,  to  have  been  brent,  and  insomuch  she  should  have 
been  brent  for  my  sake.  For  sithen  I  have  done  battles  for 
your  queen  in  other  quarrels  than  in  mine  own,  meseemeth 
now  I  had  more  right  to  do  battle  for  her  in  right  quarrel. 
And  therefore  my  good  and  gracious  lord,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
take  your  queen  unto  your  good  grace,  for  she  is  both  fair, 
true,  and  good. 

Fie  on  thee,  false  recreant  knight,  said  Sir  Gawaine ; 
I  let  thee  wit  my  lord,  mine  uncle,  King  Arthur,  shall  have 
his  queen  and  thee,  maugre  thy  visage,  and  slay  you  both 
whether  it  please  him.  It  may  well  be,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
but  wit  you  well,  my  lord  Sir  Gawaine,  an  me  list  to  come 
out  of  this  castle  ye  should  win  me  and  the  queen  more 
harder  than  ever  ye  won  a  strong  battle.  Fie  on  thy  proud 
words,  said  Sir  Gawaine ;  as  for  my  lady,  the  queen,  I  will 
never  say  of  her  shame.  But  thou,  false  and  recreant  knight, 
said  Sir  Gawaine,  what  cause  hadst  thou  to  slay  my  good 
brother  Sir  Gareth,  that  loved  thee  more  than  all  my  kin  ? 
Alas,  thou  madest  him  knight  thine  own  hands ;  why  slew 
thou  him  that  loved  thee  so  well  ?  For  to  excuse  me,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  it  helpeth  me  not,  but  by  the  faith  that  I 


474     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

owe  to  the  high  order  of  knighthood,  I  should  with  as  good 
will  have  slain  my  nephew,  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis,  at  that  time. 
But  alas  that  ever  I  was  so  unhappy,  said  Launcelot,  that  I 
had  not  seen  Sir  Gareth  and  Sir  Gaheris. 

Thou  liest,  recreant  knight,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  thou 
slewest  him  in  despite  of  me ;  and  therefore,  wit  thou  well 
I  shall  make  war  to  thee,  and  all  the  while  that  I  may  live. 
And  then  Sir  Gawaine  made  many  men  to  blow  upon  Sir 
Launcelot ;  and  all  at  once  they  called  him  false  recreant 
knight. 

Then  when  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis,  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  and 
Sir  Lionel  heard  this  outcry,  they  called  to  them  Sir  Palo- 
mides,  Sir  Safere's  brother,  and  Sir  Lavaine,  with  many 
more  of  their  blood,  and  all  they  went  unto  Sir  Launcelot, 
and  said  thus :  My  lord  Sir  Launcelot,  wit  ye  well  we  have 
great  scorn  of  the  great  rebukes  that  we  heard  Gawaine 
say  to  you ;  wherefore  we  pray  you,  and  charge  you  as  ye 
will  have  our  service,  keep  us  no  longer  within  these  walls ; 
for  wit  you  well  plainly,  we  will  ride  into  the  field  and  do 
battle  with  them;  for  ye  fare  as  a  man  that  were  afeard, 
and  for  all  your  fair  speech  it  will  not  avail  you.  For  wit 
you  well  Sir  Gawaine  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  accorded 
with  King  Arthur,  and  therefore  fight  for  your  life  and  your 
right,  an  ye  dare. 

Then  either  party  made  them  ready  on  the  morn  for  to 
do  battle,  and  great  purveyance  was  made  on  both  sides ; 
and  Sir  Gawaine  let  purvey  many  knights  for  to  wait  upon 
Sir  Launcelot,  for  to  overset  him  and  to  slay  him.  And  on 
the  morn  at  underne  Sir  Arthur  was  ready  in  the  field  with 
three  great  hosts.  •  And  then  Sir  Launcelot's  fellowship 
came  out  at  three  gates,  in  a  full  good  array ;  and  Sir  Lionel 


HOW  LAUNCELOT  HORSED  ARTHUR        475 

came  in  the  foremost  battle,  and  Sir  Launcelot  came  in  the 
middle,  and  Sir  Bors  came  out  at  the  third  gate.  Thus 
they  came  in  order  and  rule,  as  full  noble  knights ;  and 
always  Sir  Launcelot  charged  all  his  knights  in  any  wise  to 
save  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Gawaine. 

Then  came  forth  Sir  Gawaine  from  the  king's  host,  and 
he  came  before  and  proffered  to  joust.  And  Sir  Lionel 
was  a  fierce  knight,  and  lightly  he  encountered  with  Sir 
Gawaine ;  and  there  Sir  Gawaine  smote  Sir  Lionel  through- 
out the  body,  that  he  dashed  to  the  earth  like  as  he  had 
been  dead ;  and  then  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  and  other  more 
bare  him  into  the  castle.  Then  there  began  a  great  stour, 
and  much  people  was  slain ;  and  ever  King  Arthur  was 
nigh  about  Sir  Launcelot  to  have  slain  him,  and  Sir  Launcelot 
suffered  him,  and  would  not  strike  again.  So  Sir  Bors 
encountered  with  King  Arthur,  and  there  with  a  spear  Sir 
Bors  smote  him  down ;  and  so  he  alighted  and  drew  his 
sword,  and  said  to  Sir  Launcelot :  Shall  I  make  an  end  of 
this  war  ?  and  that  he  meant  to  have  slain  King  Arthur. 
Not  so  hardy,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  upon  pain  of  thy  head, 
that  thou  touch  him  no  more,  for  I  will  never  see  that  most 
noble  king  that  made  me  knight  neither  slain  ne  shamed. 
And  therewithal  Sir  Launcelot  alighted  off  his  horse  and 
took  up  the  king  and  horsed  him  again,  and  said  thus :  My 
lord  Arthur,  for  God's  love  stint  this  strife,  for  ye  get  here 
no  worship,  an  I  would  do  mine  utterance ;  but  always  I 
forbear  you,  and  ye  nor  none  of  yours  forbeareth  me.  My 
lord,  remember  what  I  have  done  in  many  places,  and  now 
I  am  evil  rewarded. 

Then  when  King  Arthur  was  on  horseback,  he  looked  upon 
Sir  Launcelot,  and  then  the  tears  brast  out  of  his  eyen, 


476     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

thinking  on  the  great  courtesy  that  was  in  Sir  Launcelot 
more  than  in  any  other  man ;  and  therewith  the  king  rode 
his  way,  and  might  no  longer  behold  him,  and  said :  Alas, 
that  ever  this  war  began.  And  then  either  parties  of  the 
battles  withdrew  them  to  repose  them,  and  buried  the  dead, 
and  to  the  wounded  men  they  laid  soft  salves ;  and  thus 
they  endured  that  night  till  on  the  morn.  And  on  the  morn 
by  underne  they  made  them  ready  to  do  battle.  And  then 
Sir  Bors  led  the  forward. 

So  upon  the  morn  there  came  Sir  Gawaine  as  brim  as 
any  boar,  with  a  great  spear  in  his  hand.  And  when  Sir 
Bors  saw  him  he  thought  to  revenge  his  brother  Sir  Lionel 
of  the  despite  that  Sir  Gawaine  did  him  the  other  day.  And 
so  they,  that  knew  either  other,  feutred  their  spears,  and 
with  all  their  mights  of  their  horses  and  themselves,  they  met 
together  so  felonously  that  either  bare  other  through,  and  so 
they  fell  both  to  the  earth ;  and  then  the  battles  joined,  and 
there  was  much  slaughter  on  both  parties. 

So  when  Sir  Gawaine  was  hurt,  they  on  King  Arthur's 
party  were  not  so  orgulous  as  they  were  toforehand  to  do 
battle.  Of  this  war  was  noised  through  all  Christendom, 
and  at  the  last  it  was  noised  afore  the  Pope  ;  and  he  considering 
the  great  goodness  of  King  Arthur,  and  of  Sir  Launcelot,  that 
was  called  the  most  noblest  knights  of  the  world,  wherefore 
the  Pope  called  unto  him  a  noble  clerk  that  at  that  time  was 
there  present  —  the  French  book  saith,  it  was  the  Bishop  of 
Rochester  —  and  the  Pope  gave  him  bulls  under  lead  unto 
King  Arthur  of  England,  charging  him  upon  pain  of  inter- 
dicting of  all  England,  that  he  take  his  queen  Dame  Guenever 
unto  him  again,  and  accord  with  Sir  Launcelot. 


HOW  THE   POPE  MADE   PEACE  477 

HOW  THE  POPE  SENT  DOWN 
HIS  BULLS  TO  MAKE  PEACE, 
AND  HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
BROUGHT  THE  QUEEN  TO 
KING  ARTHUR.  So  when  this 
Bishop  was  come  to  Carlisle  he  shewed 
the  king  these  bulls.  And  when  the 
king  understood  these  bulls  he  nist 
what  to  do :  full  fain  he  would  have 
been  accorded  with  Sir  Launcelot,  but  Sir  Gawaine  would  not 
suffer  him ;  but  as  for  to  have  the  queen,  thereto  he  agreed. 
And  then  the  Bishop  had  of  the  king  his  great  seal,  and  his 
assurance  as  he  was  a  true  anointed  king  that  Sir  Launcelot 
should  come  safe,  and  go  safe,  and  that  the  queen  should 
not  be  spoken  unto  of  the  king,  nor  of  none  other,  for  no 
thing  done  afore  time  past ;  and  of  all  these  appointments 
the  Bishop  brought  with  him  sure  assurance  and  writing, 
to  shew  Sir  Launcelot. 

So  when  the  Bishop  was  come  to  Joyous  Card,  there 
he  shewed  Sir  Launcelot  how  the  Pope  had  written  to  Arthur 
and  unto  him,  and  there  he  told  him  the  perils  if  he  withheld 
the  queen  from  the  king.  It  was  never  in  my  thought,  said 
Launcelot,  to  withhold  the  queen  from  my  lord  Arthur ;  but, 
insomuch  she  should  have  been  dead  for  my  sake,  meseemeth  it 
was  my  part  to  save  her  life,  and  put  her  from  that  danger, 
till  better  recover  might  come.  And  now  I  thank  God,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  that  the  Pope  hath  made  her  peace ;  for  God 
knoweth,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  will  be  a  thousandfold  more 
gladder  to  bring  her  again,  than  ever  I  was  of  her  taking 
away ;  with  this,  I  may  be  sure  to  come  safe  and  go  safe,  and 
that  the  queen  shall  have  her  liberty  as  she  had  before ;  and 


478     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

never  for  no  thing  that  hath  been  surmised  afore  this  time, 
she  never  from  this  day  stand  in  no  peril. 

So  the  Bishop  departed  and  came  to  the  king  at  Carlisle, 
and  told  him  all  how  Sir  Launcelot  answered  him ;  and  then 
the  tears  brast  out  of  the  king's  eyen.  Then  Sir  Launcelot 
purveyed  him  an  hundred  knights,  and  all  were  clothed  in 
green  velvet,  and  their  horses  trapped  to  their  heels ;  and 
every  knight  held  a  branch  of  olive  in  his  hand,  in  tokening 
of  peace.  And  the  queen  had  four-and-twenty  gentle- 
women following  her  in  the  same  wise  ;  and  Sir  Launcelot 
had  twelve  coursers  following  him,  and  on  every  courser 
sat  a  young  gentleman,  and  all  they  were  arrayed  in  green 
velvet,  with  sarps  of  gold  about  their  quarters,  and  the  horse 
trapped  in  the  same  wise  down  to  the  heels,  with  many 
ouches,  y-set  with  stones  and  pearls  in  gold,  to  the  number 
of  a  thousand.  And  she  and  Sir  Launcelot  were  clothed 
in  white  cloth  of  gold  tissue ;  and  right  so  as  ye  have  heard, 
as  the  French  book  maketh  mention,  he  rode  with  the  queen 
from  Joyous  Card  to  Carlisle.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot  rode 
throughout  Carlisle,  and  so  in  the  castle,  that  all  men  might 
behold ;  and  wit  you  well  there  was  many  a  weeping  eye. 
And  then  Sir  Launcelot  himself  alighted  and  avoided  his 
horse,  and  took  the  queen,  and  so  led  her  where  King  Arthur 
was  in  his  seat :  and  Sir  Gawaine  sat  afore  him,  and  many 
other  great  lords.  So  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  the  king  and 
Sir  Gawaine,  then  he  led  the  queen  by  the  arm,  and  then  he 
kneeled  down,  and  the  queen  both.  Wit  you  well  then  was 
there  many  bold  knights  there  with  King  Arthur  that  wept 
as  tenderly  as  though  they  had  seen  all  their  kin  afore  them. 
So  the  king  sat  still,  and  said  no  word.  And  when  Sir  Launce- 
lot saw  his  countenance,  he  arose  and  pulled  up  the  queen 
with  him,  and  thus  he  spake  full  knightly. 


OF  SIR  GAWAINE  AND  SIR  LAUNCELOT    479 

My  most  redoubted  king,  ye  shall  understand,  by  the 
Pope's  commandment  and  yours,  I  have  brought  to  you 
my  lady  the  queen,  as  right  requireth ;  and  if  there  be  any 
knight,  of  whatsomever  degree  that  he  be,  except  your  person, 
that  will  say,  or  dare  say,  but  that  she  is  true  and  clean 
to  you,  I  here  myself,  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  will  make  it 
good  upon  his  body,  that  she  is  a  true  lady  unto  you ;  but 
liars  ye  have  listened,  and  that  hath  caused  debate  betwixt 
you  and  me.  For  time  hath  been,  my  lord  Arthur,  that  ye 
have  been  greatly  pleased  with  me  when  I  did  battle  for 
my  lady,  your  queen ;  and  full  well  ye  know,  my  most  noble 
king,  that  she  hath  been  put  to  great  wrong  ere  this  time ; 
and  sithen  it  pleased  you  at  many  times  that  I  should  fight 
for  her,  meseemeth,  my  good  lord,  I  had  more  cause  to  rescue 
her  from  the  fire,  insomuch  she  should  have  been  brent 
for  my  sake.  For  they  that  told  you  those  tales  were  liars, 
and  so  it  fell  upon  them ;  for  by  likelihood  had  not  the  might 
of  God  been  with  me,  I  might  never  have  endured  fourteen 
knights,  and  they  armed  and  afore  purposed,  and  I  unarmed 
and  not  purposed.  And  as  Jesu  be  my  help,  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, I  slew  never  Sir  Gareth  nor  Sir  Gaheris  by  my  will ;  but 
alas  that  ever  they  were  unarmed  that  unhappy  day.  But 
thus  much  I  shall  offer  me,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  if  it  may  please 
the  king's  good  grace,  and  you,  my  lord  Sir  Gawaine,  I  shall 
first  begin  at  Sandwich,  and  there  I  shall  go  in  my  shirt, 
barefoot ;  and  at  every  ten  miles'  end  I  will  found  and  gar 
make  an  house  of  religion,  of  what  order  that  ye  will  assign 
me,  with  an  whole  convent,  to  sing  and  read,  day  and  night, 
in  especial  for  Sir  Gareth's  sake  and  Sir  Gaheris.  And  this 
shall  I  perform  from  Sandwich  unto  Carlisle ;  and  every 
house  shall  have  sufficient  livelihood.  And  this  shall  I  per- 


48o     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

form  while  I  have  any  livelihood  in  Christendom ;  and  there 
nis  none  of  all  these  religious  places,  but  they  shall  be  per- 
formed, furnished  and  garnished  in  all  things  as  an  holy  place 
ought  to  be,  I  promise  you  faithfully.  And  this,  Sir  Gawaine, 
methinketh  were  more  fairer,  holier,  and  more  better  to  their 
souls,  than  ye,  my  most  noble  king,  and  you,  Sir  Gawaine,  to 
war  upon  me,  for  thereby  shall  ye  get  none  avail. 

Then  all  knights  and  ladies  that  were  there  wept  as 
they  were  mad,  and  the  tears  fell  on  King  Arthur's  cheeks. 
Sir  Launcelot,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  have  right  well  heard 
thy  speech,  and  thy  great  proffers,  but  wit  thou  well,  let 
the  king  do  as  it  pleaseth  him,  I  will  never  forgive  my  brothers' 
death,  and  in  especial  the  death  of  my  brother,  Sir  Gareth. 
And  if  mine  uncle,  King  Arthur,  will  accord  with  thee,  he 
shall  lose  my  service ;  for  wit  thou  well  thou  art  both  false 
to  the  king  and  to  me.  Sir,  said  Launcelot,  he  beareth 
not  the  life  that  may  make  that  good  ;  and  if  ye,  Sir  Gawaine, 
will  charge  me  with  so  high  a  thing,  ye  must  pardon  me, 
for  then  needs  must  I  answer  you.  Nay,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
we  are  past  that  at  this  time,  and  that  caused  the  Pope,  for 
he  hath  charged  mine  uncle,  the  king,  that  he  shall  take  his 
queen  again,  and  to  accord  with  thee,  Sir  Launcelot,  as  for 
this  season,  and  therefore  thou  shalt  go  safe  as  thou  earnest. 
But  in  this  land  thou  shalt  not  abide  past  fifteen  days,  such 
summons  I  give  thee :  so  the  king  and  we  were  consented 
and  accorded  ere  thou  earnest.  And  else,  said  Sir  Gawaine, 
wit  thou  well  thou  shouldst  not  have  come  here,  but  if  it 
were  maugre  thy  head.  And  if  it  were  not  for  the  Pope's 
commandment,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  I  should  do  battle  with 
mine  own  body  against  thy  body,  and  prove  it  upon  thee, 
that  thou  hast  been  both  false  unto  mine  uncle  King  Arthur, 


HOW  SIR   LAUNCELOT   DEPARTED          481 

and  to  me  both ;  and  that  shall  I  prove  upon  thy  body,  when 
thou  art  departed  from  hence,  wheresomever  I  find  thee. 

HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  DEPARTED  FROM 
THE  KING  AND  FROM  JOYOUS  CARD 
OVER  SEAWARD,  AND  HOW  KING  ARTHUR 
AND  SIR  GAWAINE  WITH  A  GREAT  HOST  MADE 
WAR  ON  SIR  LAUNCELOT.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  sighed, 
and  therewith  the  tears  fell  on  his  cheeks,  and  then  he  said 
thus :  Alas,  most  noble  Christian  realm,  whom  I  have  loved 
above  all  other  realms,  and  in  thee  I  have  gotten  a  great  part 
of  my  worship,  and  now  I  shall  depart  in  this  wise.  Make 
thou  no  more  language,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  but  deliver  the  queen 
from  thee,  and  pike  thee  lightly  out  of  this  court.  Well,  said 
Sir  Launcelot,  an  I  had  wist  of  this  short  coming,  I  would 
have  advised  me  twice  or  that  I  had  come  hither ;  for  an  the 
queen  had  been  so  dear  to  me  as  ye  noise  her,  I  durst  have 
kept  her  from  a  fellowship  of  the  best  knights  under  heaven. 
And  then  Sir  Launcelot  said  unto  Guenever,  in  hearing 
of  the  king  and  them  all :  Madam,  now  I  must  depart  from 
you  and  this  noble  fellowship  for  ever ;  and  sithen  it  is  so,  I 
beseech  you  to  pray  for  me,  and  say  me  well ;  and  if  ye  be 
hard  bestead  by  any  false  tongues,  lightly,  my  lady,  let  send 
me  word,  and  if  any  knight's  hands  may  deliver  you  by 
battle,  I  shall  deliver  you.  And  therewithal  Sir  Launcelot 
kissed  the  queen ;  and  then  he  said  all  openly :  Now  let  see 
what  he  be  in  this  place  that  dare  say  the  queen  is  not  true 
unto  my  lord  Arthur,  let  see  who  will  speak  an  he  dare  speak. 
And  therewith  he  brought  the  queen  to  the  king,  and  then 
Sir  Launcelot  took  his  leave  and  departed ;  and  there  was 
neither  king,  duke,  nor  earl,  baron  nor  knight,  lady  nor 

21 


482     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

gentlewoman,  but  all  they  wept  as  people  out  of  their  mind, 
except  Sir  Gawaine.  And  when  the  noble  Sir  Launcelot  took 
his  horse  to  ride  out  of  Carlisle,  there  was  sobbing  and  weep- 
ing for  pure  dole  of  his  departing ;  and  so  he  took  his  way 
unto  Joyous  Card.  And  then  ever  after  he  called  it  the 
Dolorous  Card.  And  thus  departed  Sir  Launcelot  from  the 
court  for  ever. 

And  so  when  he  came  to  Joyous  Card  he  called  his  fellow- 
ship unto  him,  and  asked  them  what  they  would  do.  Then  they 
answered  all  wholly  together  with  one  voice,  they  would  as 
he  would  do.  My  fair  fellows,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  must 
depart  out  of  this  most  noble  realm,  and  now  I  shall  depart 
it  grieveth  me  sore,  for  I  shall  depart  with  no  worship  ;  for  a 
banished  man  departed  never  out  of  no  realm  with  worship, 
and  that  is  my  heaviness,  for  ever  I  fear  after  my  days  that 
men  shall  chronicle  upon  me  that  I  was  banished  out  of  this 
land ;  and  else,  my  fair  lords,  be  ye  sure,  an  I  had  not  dread 
shame,  my  lady,  Queen  Guenever,  and  I  should  never  have 
departed. 

Then  spake  many  noble  knights,  as  Sir  Palomides,  Sir 
Safere  his  brother,  and  Sir  Bellangere  le  Beuse,  and  Sir 
Urre,  with  Sir  Lavaine,  with  many  others :  Sir,  an  ye  be 
so  disposed  to  abide  in  this  land  we  will  never  fail  you ;  and 
if  ye  list  not  to  abide  in  this  land  there  nis  none  of  the  good 
knights  that  here  be  will  fail  you. 

Truly,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  thank  you  all  of  your  good 
saying.  So  they  were  accorded  to  go  with  Sir  Launcelot 
to  his  lands ;  and  to  make  short  tale,  they  trussed,  and  paid 
all  that  would  ask  them ;  and  wholly  an  hundred  knights 
departed  with  Sir  Launcelot  at  once,  and  made  their  avows 
they  would  never  leave  him  for  weal  nor  for  woe. 


ARTHUR   LAYS   SIEGE  TO  BENWICK        483 

And  so  they  shipped  at  Cardiff,  and  sailed  unto  Benwick : 
some  men  call  it  Bayonne,  and  some  men  call  it  Beaume, 
where  the  wine  of  Beaume  is.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot 
stuffed  and  furnished  and  garnished  all  his  noble  towns  and 
castles. 

Then  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Gawaine  made  a  great  host 
ready,  to  the  number  of  threescore  thousand ;  and  all  thing 
was  made  ready  for  their  shipping  to  pass  over  the  sea,  and 
so  they  shipped  at  Cardiff.  And  there  King  Arthur  made 
Sir  Mordred  chief  ruler  of  all  England,  and  also  he  put  Queen 
Guenever  under  his  governance ;  because  Sir  Mordred  was 
King  Arthur's  son,  he  gave  him  the  rule  of  his  land  and  of 
his  wife ;  and  so  the  king  passed  the  sea  and  landed  upon 
Sir  Launcelot's  lands,  and  there  he  brent  and  wasted,  through 
the  vengeance  of  Sir  Gawaine,  all  that  they  might  overrun. 

And  upon  the  morn  early,  in  the  dawning  of  the  day, 
as  Sir  Launcelot's  knights  looked  out,  they  saw  the  city  of 
Benwick  besieged  round  about ;  and  fast  they  began  to  set 
up  ladders,  and  then  they  defied  them  out  of  the  town,  and 
beat  them  from  the  walls  wightly.  Then  came  forth  Sir 
Gawaine  well  armed  upon  a  stiff  steed,  and  he  came  before  the 
chief  gate,  with  his  spear  in  his  hand,  crying :  Sir  Launcelot, 
where  art  thou  ?  is  there  none  of  you  proud  knights  dare 
break  a  spear  with  me  ?  Then  Sir  Bors  made  him  ready,  and 
came  forth  out  of  the  town,  and  there  Sir  Gawaine  encoun- 
tered with  Sir  Bors.  And  at  that  time  he  smote  Sir  Bors 
down  from  his  horse,  and  almost  he  had  slain  him ;  and  so 
Sir  Bors  was  rescued  and  borne  into  the  town.  Then  came 
forth  Sir  Lionel,  brother  to  Sir  Bors,  and  thought  to  revenge 
him;  and  either  feutred  their  spears,  and  ran  together; 
and  there  they  met  spitefully,  but  Sir  Gawaine  had  such 


484     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

grace  that  he  smote  Sir  Lionel  down,  and  wounded  him 
there  passing  sore ;  and  then  Sir  Lionel  was  rescued  and 
borne  into  the  town.  And  thus  Sir  Gawaine  came  every 
day,  and  he  failed  not  but  that  he  smote  down  one  knight 
or  other. 

So  thus  they  endured  half  a  year,  and  much  slaughter 
was  of  people  on  both  parties.  Then  it  befell  upon  a  day, 
Sir  Gawaine  came  afore  the  gates  armed  at  all  pieces  on  a 
noble  horse,  with  a  great  spear  in  his  hand ;  and  then  he 
cried  with  a  loud  voice :  Where  art  thou  now,  thou  false 
traitor,  Sir  Launcelot  ?  Why  hidest  thou  thyself  within 
holes  and  walls  like  a  coward  ?  Look  out  now,  thou  false 
traitor  knight,  and  here  I  shall  revenge  upon  thy  body  the 
death  of  my  three  brethren. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  bade  saddle  his  strongest  horse,  and 
bade  let  fetch  his  arms,  and  bring  all  unto  the  gate  of  the 
tower;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  spake  on  high  unto  King 
Arthur,  and  said :  My  lord  Arthur,  and  noble  king  that 
made  me  knight,  wit  you  well  I  am  right  heavy  for  your 
sake,  that  ye  thus  sue  upon  me ;  and  always  I  forbear  you, 
for  an  I  would  have  been  vengeable,  I  might  have  met  you 
in  midst  of  the  field,  and  there  to  have  made  your  boldest 
knights  full  tame.  And  now  I  have  forborne  half  a  year, 
and  suffered  you  and  Sir  Gawaine  to  do  what  ye  would  do ; 
and  now  may  I  endure  it  no  longer,  for  now  must  I  needs 
defend  myself,  insomuch  Sir  Gawaine  hath  appealed  me  of 
treason ;  the  which  is  greatly  against  my  will  that  ever  I 
should  fight  against  any  of  your  blood,  but  now  I  may  not 
forsake  it ;  I  am  driven  thereto  as  a  beast  to  bay. 

Then  Sir  Gawaine  and  Sir  Launcelot  departed  a  great 
way  asunder,  and  then  they  came  together  with  all  their 


HOW  LAUNCELOT   FOUGHT  GAWAINE       485 

horses'  might  as  they  might  run,  and  either  smote  other 
in  midst  of  their  shields ;  but  the  knights  were  so  strong, 
and  their  spears  so  big,  that  their  horses  might  not  endure 
their  buffets,  and  so  their  horses  fell  to  the  earth ;  and 
then  they  avoided  their  horses,  and  dressed  their  shields 
afore  them.  Then  they  stood  together  and  gave  many  sad 
strokes  on  divers  places  of  their  bodies,  that  the  blood  brast 
out  on  many  sides  and  places.  Then  had  Sir  Gawaine  such 
a  grace  and  gift  that  an  holy  man  had  given  to  him,  that 
every  day  in  the  year,  from  underne  till  high  noon,  his 
might  increased  those  three  hours  as  much  as  thrice  his 
strength,  and  that  caused  Sir  Gawaine  to  win  great  honour. 
And  for  his  sake  King  Arthur  made  an  ordinance,  that  all 
manner  of  battles  for  any  quarrels  that  should  be  done  afore 
King  Arthur  should  begin  at  underne ;  and  all  was  done 
for  Sir  Gawaine's  love,  that  by  likelihood,  if  Sir  Gawaine 
were  on  the  one  part,  he  should  have  the  better  in  battle 
while  his  strength  endureth  three  hours ;  but  there  were 
but  few  knights  that  time  living  that  knew  this  advantage 
that  Sir  Gawaine  had,  but  King  Arthur  all  only. 

Thus  Sir  Launcelot  fought  with  Sir  Gawaine,  and  when 
Sir  Launcelot  felt  his  might  evermore  increase,  Sir  Launcelot 
wondered  and  dread  him  sore  to  be  shamed.  For  as  the 
French  book  saith,  Sir  Launcelot  weened,  when  he  felt  Sir 
Gawaine  double  his  strength,  that  he  had  been  a  fiend  and 
none  earthly  man ;  wherefore  Sir  Launcelot  traced  and 
traversed,  and  covered  himself  with  his  shield,  and  kept  his 
might  and  his  braid  during  three  hours ;  and  that  while 
Sir  Gawaine  gave  him  many  sad  brunts,  and  many  sad 
strokes,  that  all  the  knights  that  beheld  Sir  Launcelot 
marvelled  how  that  he  might  endure  him ;  but  full  little 


486     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

understood  they  that  travail  that  Sir  Launcelot  had  for  to 
endure  him.  And  then  when  it  was  past  noon  Sir  Gawaine 
had  no  more  but  his  own  might.  When  Sir  Launcelot  felt 
him  so  come  down,  then  he  stretched  him  up  and  stood  near 
Sir  Gawaine,  and  said  thus :  My  lord  Sir  Gawaine,  now  I 
feel  ye  have  done ;  now  my  lord  Sir  Gawaine,  I  must  do 
my  part,  for  many  great  and  grievous  strokes  I  have  endured 
you  this  day  with  great  pain. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  doubled  his  strokes  and  gave  Sir 
Gawaine  such  a  buffet  on  the  helmet  that  he  fell  down  on 
his  side,  and  Sir  Launcelot  withdrew  him  from  him.  Why 
withdrawest  thou  thee  ?  said  Sir  Gawaine ;  now  turn  again, 
false  traitor  knight,  and  slay  me,  for  an  thou  leave  me  thus, 
when  I  am  whole  I  shall  do  battle  with  thee  again.  I  shall 
endure  you,  Sir,  by  God's  grace,  but  wit  thou  well,  Sir 
Gawaine,  I  will  never  smite  a  felled  knight. 

And  then  he  turned  him  and  went  his  way  toward  the 
city.  And  Sir  Gawaine  evermore  calling  him  traitor  knight, 
and  said :  Wit  thou  well  Sir  Launcelot,  when  I  am  whole 
I  shall  do  battle  with  thee  again,  for  I  shall  never  leave  thee 
till  that  one  of  us  be  slain.  Thus  as  this  siege  endured,  and 
as  Sir  Gawaine  lay  sick  near  a  month,  and  when  he  was 
well  recovered  and  ready  within  three  days  to  do  battle  again 
with  Sir  Launcelot,  right  so  came  tidings  unto  Arthur  from 
England  that  made  King  Arthur  and  all  his  host  to  remove. 

HOW  SIR    MORDRED   TOOK   ON  HIM  TO  BE 
KING     OF     ENGLAND,     AND     HOW     KING 
ARTHUR   RETURNED  TO   DOVER,  AND  OF 
THE    BATTLE   THERE,   AND    HOW   SIR    GAWAINE 
WAS  SLAIN.     As  Sir  Mordred  was  ruler  of  all  England,  he 


^^—-B,,^-4,,^^.^h__^_^_  ^^_ __a_^t-^—  — ^-^ — — — "— •—  -"--r  f    *-    -  _  *-  r  T  r^^~~-  *•  -  •-  • 

LD-WENTANP-LAlP-A-MlCHTY-MKGE-  ABOUT 
•  OT  •  LO.NPON  •  ANP-  SHOT-  CREAT-GUN3  • 


OF  QUEEN   GUENEVER   AND   SIR   MORDRED     487 

did  do  make  letters  as  though  that  they  came  from  beyond  the 
sea,  and  the  letters  specified  that  King  Arthur  was  slain  in 
battle  with  Sir  Launcelot.  Wherefore  Sir  Mordred  made  a 
parliament,  and  called  the  lords  together,  and  there  he  made 
them  to  choose  him  king ;  and  so  was  he  crowned  at  Canter- 
bury, and  held  a  feast  there  fifteen  days ;  and  afterward  he 
drew  him  unto  Winchester,  and  there  he  took  the  Queen 
Guenever,  and  said  plainly  that  he  would  wed  her  which 
was  his  uncle's  wife  and  his  father's  wife.  And  so  he  made 
ready  for  the  feast,  and  a  day  prefixed  that  they  should  be 
wedded ;  wherefore  Queen  Guenever  was  passing  heavy. 
But  she  durst  not  discover  her  heart,  but  spake  fair,  and 
agreed  to  Sir  Mordred's  will.  Then  she  desired  of  Sir 
Mordred  for  to  go  to  London,  to  buy  all  manner  of  things 
that  longed  unto  the  wedding.  And  because  of  her  fair 
speech  Sir  Mordred  trusted  her  well  enough,  and  gave  her 
leave  to  go.  And  so  when  she  came  to  London  she  took 
the  Tower  of  London,  and  suddenly  in  all  haste  possible 
she  stuffed  it  with  all  manner  of  victual,  and  well  garnished 
it  with  men,  and  so  kept  it. 

Then  when  Sir  Mordred  wist  and  understood  how  he 
was  beguiled,  he  was  passing  wroth  out  of  measure.  And 
a  short  tale  for  to  make,  he  went  and  laid  a  mighty  siege 
about  the  Tower  of  London,  and  made  many  great  assaults 
thereat,  and  threw  many  great  engines  unto  them,  and 
shot  great  guns.  But  all  might  not  prevail  Sir  Mordred, 
for  Queen  Guenever,  for  fair  speech  nor  for  foul,  would  never 
trust  to  come  in  his  hands  again. 

Then  came  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  the  which  was  a 
noble  clerk  and  an  holy  man,  and  thus  he  said  to  Sir  Mordred  : 
Sir,  what  will  ye  do  ?  will  ye  first  displease  God  and  sithen 


488  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

shame  yourself,  and  all  knighthood  ?  Sir,  said  the  noble 
clerk,  leave  this  opinion  or  else  I  shall  curse  you  with  book 
and  bell  and  candle.  Do  thou  thy  worst,  said  Sir  Mordred, 
wit  thou  well  I  shall  defy  thee.  So  the  Bishop  departed  and 
did  the  cursing  in  the  most  orgulist  wise  that  might  be  done. 
And  then  Sir  Mordred  sought  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury, 
for  to  have  slain  him.  Then  the  Bishop  fled,  and  took  part 
of  his  goods  with  him,  and  went  nigh  unto  Glastonbury; 
and  there  he  was  as  priest  hermit  in  a  chapel,  and  lived  in 
poverty  and  in  holy  prayers,  for  well  he  understood  that 
mischievous  war  was  at  hand. 

Then  came  word  to  Sir  Mordred  that  King  Arthur  had 
araised  the  siege  for  Sir  Launcelot,  and  he  was  coming 
homeward  with  a  great  host,  to  be  avenged  upon  Sir 
Mordred ;  wherefore  Sir  Mordred  made  write  writs  to  all 
the  barony  of  this  land,  and  much  people  drew  to  him. 
For  then  was  the  common  voice  among  them  that  with 
Arthur  was  none  other  life  but  war  and  strife,  and  with  Sir 
Mordred  was  great  joy  and  bliss.  Thus  was  Sir  Arthur 
depraved,  and  evil  said  of.  Lo  ye  all  Englishmen,  see  ye 
not  what  a  mischief  here  was !  for  he  that  was  the  most 
king  and  knight  of  the  world,  and  most  loved  the  fellowship 
of  noble  knights,  and  by  him  they  were  all  upholden,  now 
might  not  these  Englishmen  hold  them  content  with  him. 
Lo  thus  was  the  old  custom  and  usage  of  this  land ;  and 
also  men  say  that  we  of  this  land  have  not  yet  lost  nor  for- 
gotten that  custom  and  usage.  Alas,  this  is  a  great  default 
of  us  Englishmen,  for  there  may  no  thing  please  us  no  term. 
And  so  fared  the  people  at  that  time.  And  so  Sir  Mordred 
drew  with  a  great  host  to  Dover,  for  there  he  heard  say  that 
Sir  Arthur  would  arrive. 


HOW  SIR   GAWAINE   DIED  489 

And  so  as  Sir  Mordred  was  at  Dover  with  his  host,  there 
came  King  Arthur  with  a  great  navy  of  ships,  and  galleys, 
and  carracks.  And  there  was  Sir  Mordred  ready  awaiting 
upon  his  landing,  to  let  his  own  father  to  land  upon  the 
land  that  he  was  king  over.  Then  there  was  launching  of 
great  boats  and  small,  and  full  of  noble  men  of  arms ;  and 
there  was  much  slaughter  of  gentle  knights,  and  many  a 
full  bold  baron  was  laid  full  low,  on  both  parties.  But  King 
Arthur  was  so  courageous  that  there  might  no  manner  of 
knights  let  him  to  land,  and  his  knights  fiercely  followed 
him ;  and  so  they  landed  maugre  Sir  Mordred  and  all  his 
power,  and  put  Sir  Mordred  aback,  that  he  fled  and  all  his 
people. 

So  when  this  battle  was  done,  King  Arthur  let  bury  his 
people  that  were  dead.  And  then  was  noble  Sir  Gawaine 
found  in  a  great  boat,  lying  more  than  half  dead.  When 
Sir  Arthur  wist  that  Sir  Gawaine  was  laid  so  low,  he  went 
unto  him ;  and  there  the  king  made  sorrow  out  of  measure, 
and  took  Sir  Gawaine  in  his  arms,  and  thrice  he  there 
swooned.  And  then  when  he  awaked,  he  said :  Alas,  Sir 
Gawaine,  my  sister's  son,  here  now  thou  liest,  the  man  in 
the  world  that  I  loved  most ;  and  now  is  my  joy  gone,  for 
in  Sir  Launcelot  and  you  I  most  had  my  joy,  and  mine 
affiance,  and  now  have  I  lost  my  joy  of  you  both  ;  wherefore 
all  mine  earthly  joy  is  gone  from  me.  Mine  uncle  King 
Arthur,  said  Sir  Gawaine,  wit  you  well  my  death-day  is 
come,  and  all  is  through  mine  own  hastiness  and  wilfulness ; 
for  I  am  smitten  upon  the  old  wound  the  which  Sir  Launcelot 
gave  me,  on  the  which  I  feel  well  I  must  die ;  and  had  Sir 
Launcelot  been  with  you  as  he  was,  this  unhappy  war  had 
never  begun ;  and  of  all  this  am  I  causer,  for  Sir  Launcelot 


490  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

and  his  blood,  through  their  prowess,  held  all  your  cankered 
enemies  in  subjection  and  daunger. 

And  then  Sir  Gawaine  prayed  the  king  for  to  send  for 
Sir  Launcelot,  and  to  cherish  him  above  all  other  knights. 

And  so  at  the  hour  of  noon  Sir  Gawaine  yielded  up 
the  spirit ;  and  then  the  king  let  inter  him  in  a  chapel 
within  Dover  Castle ;  and  there  yet  all  men  may  see  the 
skull  of  him,  and  the  same  wound  is  seen  that  Sir  Launcelot 
gave  him  in  battle.  Then  was  it  told  the  king  that  Sir 
Mordred  had  pitched  a  new  field  upon  Barham  Down.  And 
upon  the  morn  the  king  rode  thither  to  him,  and  there  was 
a  great  battle  betwixt  them,  and  much  people  was  slain  on 
both  parties ;  but  at  the  last  Sir  Arthur's  party  stood  best, 
and  Sir  Mordred  and  his  party  fled  unto  Canterbury. 

HOW  SIR  GAWAINE'S  GHOST  AP- 
PEARED TO  KING  ARTHUR,  AND 
WARNED  HIM  NOT  TO  FIGHT  ON 
THE  DAY  ASSIGNED,  AND  HOW 
BY  MISADVENTURE  OF  AN  ADDER 
A  BATTLE  BEGAN,  WHERE  MOR- 
DRED WAS  SLAIN  AND  ARTHUR 
HURT  TO  THE  DEATH.  Then  much 
people  drew  unto  King  Arthur.  And  then  King  Arthur 
drew  him  with  his  host  down  by  the  seaside,  westward  toward 
Salisbury  ;  and  there  was  a  day  assigned  betwixt  King  Arthur 
and  Sir  Mordred,  that  they  should  meet  upon  a  down  beside 
Salisbury,  and  not  far  from  the  seaside ;  and  this  day  was 
assigned  on  a  Monday  after  Trinity  Sunday,  whereof  King 
Arthur  was  passing  glad,  that  he  might  be  avenged  upon  Sir 
Mordred. 


HOW  THE   BATTLE   BEGAN  491 

So  upon  Trinity  Sunday  at  night,  King  Arthur  dreamed 
that  Sir  Gawaine  had  warned  him  that  if  he  fought  on  the 
morn  he  should  be  slain.  Then  the  king  commanded  Sir 
Lucan  the  Butler,  and  his  brother  Sir  Bedivere,  with  two 
bishops  with  them,  and  charged  them  in  any  wise,  an  they 
might,  Take  a  treaty  for  a  month  day  with  Sir  Mordred, 
and  spare  not,  proffer  him  lands  and  goods  as  much  as  ye 
think  best.  So  then  they  departed,  and  came  to  Sir  Mordred, 
where  he  had  a  grim  host  of  an  hundred  thousand  men. 
And  there  they  entreated  Sir  Mordred  long  time ;  and  at 
the  last  Sir  Mordred  was  agreed  for  to  have  Cornwall  and 
Kent,  by  Arthur's  days :  after,  all  England,  after  the  days 
of  King  Arthur. 

Then  were  they  condescended  that  King  Arthur  and  Sir 
Mordred  should  meet  betwixt  both  their  hosts,  and  every ch 
of  them  should  bring  fourteen  persons ;  and  they  came 
with  this  word  unto  Arthur.  Then  said  he :  I  am  glad 
that  this  is  done :  and  so  he  went  into  the  field.  And  when 
Arthur  should  depart,  he  warned  all  his  host  that  an  they 
see  any  sword  drawn :  Look  ye  come  on  fiercely,  and  slay 
that  traitor,  Sir  Mordred,  for  I  in  no  wise  trust  him.  In 
like  wise  Sir  Mordred  warned  his  host.  And  so  they  met 
as  their  appointment  was,  and  so  they  were  agreed  and 
accorded  thoroughly  ;  and  wine  was  fetched,  and  they 
drank.  Right  soon  came  an  adder  out  of  a  little  heath  bush, 
and  it  stung  a  knight  on  the  foot.  And  when  the  knight 
felt  him  stung,  he  looked  down  and  saw  the  adder,  and  then 
he  drew  his  sword  to  slay  the  adder,  and  thought  of  none 
other  harm.  And  when  the  host  on  both  parties  saw  that 
sword  drawn,  then  they  blew  beams,  trumpets,  and  horns, 
and  shouted  grimly.  And  so  both  hosts  dressed  them 


492  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

together.  And  thus  they  fought  all  the  long  day,  and  never 
stinted  till  the  noble  knights  were  laid  to  the  cold  earth ; 
and  ever  they  fought  still  till  it  was  near  night,  and  by  that 
time  was  there  an  hundred  thousand  laid  dead  upon  the  down. 
Then  was  Arthur  wood  wroth  out  of  measure,  when  he  saw 
his  people  so  slain  from  him. 

Then  the  king  looked  about  him,  and  then  was  he  ware, 
of  all  his  host  and  of  all  his  good  knights,  were  left  no  more 
alive  but  two  knights ;  that  was  Sir  Lucan  the  Butler,  and 
his  brother  Sir  Bedivere,  and  they  were  full  sore  wounded. 
Jesu  mercy,  said  the  king,  where  are  all  my  noble  knights 
become  ?  Then  was  King  Arthur  ware  where  Sir  Mordred 
leaned  upon  his  sword  among  a  great  heap  of  dead  men. 
Now  give  me  my  spear,  said  Arthur  unto  Sir  Lucan,  for 
yonder  I  have  espied  the  traitor  that  all  this  woe  hath  wrought. 
Sir,  let  him  be,  said  Sir  Lucan,  for  he  is  unhappy ;  and  if 
ye  pass  this  unhappy  day,  ye  shall  be  right  well  revenged 
upon  him.  Good  lord,  remember  ye  of  your  night's  dream, 
and  what  the  spirit  of  Sir  Gawaine  told  you  this  night ;  yet 
God  of  his  great  goodness  hath  preserved  you  hitherto. 
Therefore,  for  God's  sake,  my  lord,  leave  off  by  this,  for 
blessed  be  God  ye  have  won  the  field,  for  here  we  be  three 
alive,  and  with  Sir  Mordred  is  none  alive ;  and  if  ye  leave 
off  now  this  wicked  day  of  destiny  is  past.  Tide  me  death, 
betide  me  life,  saith  the  king,  now  I  see  him  yonder  alone 
he  shall  never  escape  mine  hands,  for  at  a  better  avail  shall 
I  never  have  him.  God  speed  you  well,  said  Sir  Bedivere. 

Then  the  king  gat  his  spear  in  both  his  hands,  and  ran 
toward  Sir  Mordred,  crying :  Traitor,  now  is  thy  death- 
day  come.  And  when  Sir  Mordred  heard  Sir  Arthur,  he 
ran  until  him  with  his  sword  drawn  in  his  hand.  And  there 


OF   KING  ARTHUR'S   SWORD   EXCALIBUR    493 

King  Arthur  smote  Sir  Mordred  under  the  shield,  with  a 
foin  of  his  spear,  throughout  the  body,  more  than  a  fathom. 
And  when  Sir  Mordred  felt  that  he  had  his  death  wound  he 
thrust  himself  with  the  might  that  he  had  up  to  the  bur  of 
King  Arthur's  spear.  And  right  so  he  smote  his  father 
Arthur,  with  his  sword  holden  in  both  his  hands,  on  the  side 
of  the  head,  that  the  sword  pierced  the  helmet  and  the  brain- 
pan, and  therewithal  Sir  Mordred  fell  stark  dead  to  the 
*arth ;  and  the  noble  Arthur  fell  in  a  swoon  to  the  earth,  and 
there  he  swooned  ofttimes.  And  Sir  Lucan  the  Butler  and  Sir 
Bedivere  ofttimes  heaved  him  up.  And  so  weakly  they  led 
him  betwixt  them  both,  to  a  little  chapel  not  far  from  the  sea- 
side. And  when  the  king  was  there  he  thought  him  well  eased. 
Then  Sir  Lucan  saw  by  the  moonlight,  how  that  pillers  and 
robbers  were  come  into  the  field,  and  who  that  were  not 
dead  all  out,  there  they  slew  them  for  their  harness  and  their 
riches.  When  Sir  Lucan  understood  this  work,  he  came 
to  the  king  as  soon  as  he  might,  and  told  him  all  what  he  had 
heard  and  seen.  Therefore  by  my  rede,  said  Sir  Lucan,  it 
is  best  that  we  bring  you  to  some  town.  I  would  it  were 
so,  said  the  king.  But  I  may  not  stand,  mine  head  works 
so.  Ah  Sir  Launcelot,  said  King  Arthur,  this  day  have  I 
sore  missed  thee :  alas,  that  ever  I  was  against  thee,  for  now 
have  I  my  death,  whereof  Sir  Gawaine  me  warned  in  my 
dream. 

HOW      KING      ARTHUR      COMMANDED      TO 
CAST   HIS    SWORD    EXCALIBUR  INTO   THE 
WATER,    AND    HOW    HE  WAS    DELIVERED 
TO    LADIES     IN    A     BARGE,    AND    AS    TO    THE 
DEATH    OF    KING    ARTHUR,    AND    HOW    QUEEN 


494  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

GUENEVER  MADE  HER  A  NUN.  Then  Sir  Lucan 
took  up  the  king  the  one  part,  and  Sir  Bedivere  the  other 
part,  and  in  the  lifting  Sir  Lucan  fell  in  a  swoon,  and  therewith 
the  noble  knight's  heart  brast.  Alas,  said  the  king,  this  is 
to  me  a  full  heavy  sight,  to  see  this  noble  duke  so  die  for  my 
sake,  for  he  would  have  holpen  me,  that  had  more  need  of 
help  than  I.  Alas,  he  would  not  complain  him,  his  heart  was 
so  set  to  help  me :  now  Jesu  have  mercy  upon  his  soul ! 
Then  Sir  Bedivere  wept  for  the  death  of  his  brother.  Leave 
this  mourning  and  weeping,  said  the  king,  for  all  this  will  not 
avail  me ;  for  wit  thou  well  an  I  might  live  myself,  the  death 
of  Sir  Lucan  would  grieve  me  evermore ;  but  my  time  hieth 
fast,  said  the  king.  Therefore,  said  Arthur  unto  Sir  Bedivere, 
take  thou  Excalibur,  my  good  sword,  and  go  with  it  to  yonder 
water  side,  and  when  thou  comest  there  I  charge  thee  throw 
my  sword  in  that  water,  and  come  again  and  tell  me  what 
thou  there  seest. 

So  Sir  Bedivere  departed,  and  by  the  way  he  beheld 
that  noble  sword,  that  the  pommel  and  the  haft  was  all  of 
precious  stones  ;  and  then  he  said  to  himself :  If  I  throw  this 
rich  sword  in  the  water,  thereof  shall  never  come  good,  but 
harm  and  loss.  And  then  Sir  Bedivere  hid  Excalibur  under 
a  tree.  And  so,  as  soon  as  he  might,  he  came  again  unto 
the  king,  and  said  he  had  been  at  the  water,  and  had  thrown 
the  sword  in  the  water.  What  saw  thou  there  ?  said  the 
king.  Sir,  he  said,  I  saw  nothing  but  waves  and  winds. 
That  is  untruly  said  of  thee,  said  the  king,  therefore  go  thou 
lightly  again,  and  do  my  commandment ;  as  thou  art  to 
me  lief  and  dear,  spare  not,  but  throw  it  in.  Then  Sir 
Bedivere  returned  again,  and  took  the  sword  in  his  hand ; 
and  then  him  thought  sin  and  shame  to  throw  away  that 


OF  THE   DEATH  OF   KING  ARTHUR         495 

noble  sword,  and  so  eft  he  hid  the  sword,  and  returned  again, 
and  told  to  the  king  that  he  had  been  at  the  water,  and  done 
his  commandment.  What  saw  thou  there  ?  said  the  king. 
Sir,  he  said,  I  saw  nothing  but  the  waters  wap  and  waves 
wan.  Ah,  traitor  untrue,  said  King  Arthur,  now  hast  thou 
betrayed  me  twice.  Who  would  have  weened  that  thou, 
that  hast  been  to  me  so  lief  and  dear,  and  thou  art  named 
a  noble  knight,  would  betray  me  for  the  richness  of  the 
sword  ?  But  now  go  again  lightly,  for  thy  long  tarrying 
putteth  me  in  great  jeopardy  of  my  life,  for  I  have  taken 
cold.  And  but  if  thou  do  now  as  I  bid  thee,  if  ever  I  may 
see  thee,  I  shall  slay  thee  with  mine  own  hands ;  for  thou 
wouldst  for  my  rich  sword  see  me  dead. 

Then  Sir  Bedivere  departed,  and  went  to  the  sword,  and 
lightly  took  it  up,  and  went  to  the  water  side ;  and  there 
he  bound  the  girdle  about  the  hilts,  and  then  he  threw  the 
sword  as  far  into  the  water  as  he  might ;  and  there  came  an 
arm  and  an  hand  above  the  water  and  met  it,  and  caught  it, 
and  so  shook  it  thrice  and  brandished,  and  then  vanished 
away  the  hand  with  the  sword  in  the  water.  So  Sir  Bedivere 
came  again  to  the  king,  and  told  him  what  he  saw.  Alas, 
said  the  king,  help  me  hence,  for  I  dread  me  I  have  tarried 
over  long.  Then  Sir  Bedivere  took  the  king  upon  his  back, 
and  so  went  with  him  to  that  water  side.  And  when  they 
were  at  the  water  side,  even  fast  by  the  bank  hoved  a  little 
barge  with  many  fair  ladies  in  it,  and  among  them  all  was 
a  queen,  and  all  they  had  black  hoods,  and  all  they  wept 
and  shrieked  when  they  saw  King  Arthur.  Now  put  me 
into  the  barge,  said  the  king.  And  so  he  did  softly ;  and 
there  received  him  three  queens  with  great  mourning;  and 
so  they  set  them  down,  and  in  one  of  their  laps  King  Arthur 


496  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

laid  his  head.  And  then  that  queen  said :  Ah,  dear  brother, 
why  have  ye  tarried  so  long  from  me  ?  alas,  this  wound  on 
your  head  hath  caught  over-much  cold.  And  so  then  they 
rowed  from  the  land,  and  Sir  Bedivere  beheld  all  those 
ladies  go  from  him.  Then  Sir  Bedivere  cried :  Ah  my 
lord  Arthur,  what  shall  become  of  me,  now  ye  go  from  me 
and  leave  me  here  alone  among  mine  enemies  ?  Comfort 
thyself,  said  the  king,  and  do  as  well  as  thou  mayst,  for  in 
me  is  no  trust  for  to  trust  in;  for  I  will  into  the  vale  of 
Avilion  to  heal  me  of  my  grievous  wound :  and  if  thou 
hear  never  more  of  me,  pray  for  my  soul.  But  ever  the 
queens  and  ladies  wept  and  shrieked,  that  it  was  pity  to  hear. 
And  as  soon  as  Sir  Bedivere  had  lost  the  sight  of  the  barge, 
he  wept  and  wailed,  and  so  took  the  forest ;  and  so  he  went 
all  that  night,  and  in  the  morning  he  was  ware  betwixt  two 
holts  hoar,  of  a  chapel  and  an  hermitage. 

Then  was  Sir  Bedivere  glad,  and  thither  he  went ;  and 
when  he  came  into  the  chapel,  he  saw  where  lay  an  hermit 
grovelling  on  all  four,  there  fast  by  a  tomb  was  new  graven. 
When  the  hermit  saw  Sir  Bedivere  he  knew  him  well,  for 
he  was  but  little  to-fore  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  that  Sir 
Mordred  banished.  Sir,  said  Bedivere,  what  man  is  there 
interred  that  ye  pray  so  fast  for  ?  Fair  son,  said  the  hermit, 
I  wot  not  verily,  but  by  deeming.  But  this  night,  at  mid- 
night, here  came  a  number  of  ladies,  and  brought  hither  a 
dead  corpse,  and  prayed  me  to  bury  him ;  and  here  they 
offered  an  hundred  tapers,  and  they  gave  me  an  hundred 
besants.  Alas,  said  Sir  Bedivere,  that  was  my  lord  King 
Arthur,  that  here  lieth  buried  in  this  chapel.  Then  Sir 
Bedivere  swooned ;  and  when  he  awoke  he  prayed  the 
hermit  he  might  abide  with  him  still  there,  to  live  with 


HOW  QUEEN  GUENEVER  BECAME  A  NUN  497 

fasting  and  prayers.  For  from  hence  will  I  never  go,  said 
Sir  Bedivere,  by  my  will,  but  all  the  days  of  my  life  here 
to  pray  for  my  lord  Arthur.  So  there  bode  Sir  Bedivere 
with  the  hermit  that  was  to-fore  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  and 
there  Sir  Bedivere  put  upon  him  poor  clothes,  and  served 
the  hermit  full  lowly  in  fasting  and  in  prayers. 

Thus  of  Arthur  I  find  never  more  written  in  books  that 
be  authorised,  nor  more  of  the  very  certainty  of  his  death 
heard  I  never  read,  but  thus  was  he  led  away  in  a  ship  wherein 
were  three  queens ;  that  one  was  King  Arthur's  sister, 
Queen  Morgan  le  Fay ;  the  other  was  the  Queen  of  North- 
galis ;  the  third  was  the  Queen  of  the  Waste  Lands.  Also 
there  was  Nimue,  the  chief  lady  of  the  lake,  that  had  done 
much  for  King  Arthur.  More  of  the  death  of  King  Arthur 
could  I  never  find,  but  that  ladies  brought  him  to  his  burials ; 
and  such  one  was  buried  there,  that  the  hermit  bare  witness 
that  sometime  was  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  but  yet  the  hermit 
knew  not  in  certain  that  he  was  verily  the  body  of  King 
Arthur  :  for  this  tale  Sir  Bedivere,  knight  of  the  Table  Round, 
made  it  to  be  written. 

Yet  some  men  say  in  many  parts  of  England  that  King 
Arthur  is  not  dead,  but  had  by  the  will  of  our  Lord  Jesu 
into  another  place ;  and  men  say  that  he  shall  come  again, 
and  he  shall  win  the  holy  cross.  I  will  not  say  it  shall  be 
so,  but  rather  I  will  say :  here  in  this  world  he  changed 
his  life.  But  many  men  say  that  there  is  written  upon  his 
tomb  this  verse :  Unc  facet  Slrrtjuruflf,  Her  quontram,  Kejcque 
ftitututf.  Thus  leave  I  here  Sir  Bedivere  with  the 
hermit,  that  dwelled  that  time  in  a  chapel  beside  Glaston- 
bury,  and  there  was  his  hermitage.  And  so  they  lived  in 
their  prayers,  and  fastings,  and  great  abstinence.  And  when 

2K 


498  OF   KING  ARTHUR 

Queen  Guenever  understood  that  King  Arthur  was  slain, 
and  all  the  noble  knights,  Sir  Mordred  and  all  the  remnant, 
then  the  queen  stole  away,  and  five  ladies  with  her,  and  so 
she  went  to  Almesbury ;  and  there  she  let  make  herself  a 
nun,  and  ware  white  clothes  and  black,  and  great  penance 
she  took,  as  ever  did  sinful  lady  in  this  land,  and  never 
creature  could  make  her  merry ;  but  lived  in  fasting,  prayers, 
and  alms-deeds,  that  all  manner  of  people  marvelled  how 
virtuously  she  was  changed. 

HOW  WHEN  SIR  LAUNCELOT  HEARD 
OF  THE  DEATH  OF  KING  ARTHUR, 
HE  CAME  TO  ENGLAND,  AND  FOUND 
QUEEN  GUENEVER  AT  ALMESBURY, 
AND  HOW  SIR  LAUNCELOT  TOOK 
THE  HABIT  ON  HIM  AS  A  HERMIT. 
Now  leave  we  Queen  Guenever  in  Almesbury,  a  nun  in  white 
clothes  and  black,  and  there  she  was  Abbess  and  ruler  as 
reason  would ;  and  turn  we  from  her,  and  speak  we  of  Sir 
Launcelot  du  Lake,  that  when  he  heard  in  his  country  that 
Sir  Mordred  was  crowned  king  in  England,  and  made 
war  against  King  Arthur,  his  own  father,  and  would  let  him 
to  land  in  his  own  land ;  also  how  that  Sir  Mordred  had 
laid  siege  about  the  Tower  of  London,  because  the  queen 
would  not  wed  him ;  then  was  he  wroth  out  of  measure, 
and  said  to  his  kinsmen :  Alas,  that  double  traitor  Sir 
Mordred,  now  me  repenteth  that  ever  he  escaped  my  hands, 
for  much  shame  hath  he  done  unto  my  lord  Arthur.  Alas, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  that  ever  I  should  live  to  hear  that  most 
noble  king  that  made  me  knight  thus  to  be  overset  with  his 
subject  in  his  own  realm. 


OF   SIR   LAUNCELOT'S   RETURN  499 

Then  they  made  them  ready  in  all  the  haste  that  might 
be,  with  ships  and  galleys,  for  Sir  Launcelot  and  his  host  to 
pass  into  England.  And  so  he  passed  over  the  sea  till  he 
came  to  Dover,  and  there  he  landed  with  seven  kings,  and 
the  number  was  hideous  to  behold.  Then  Sir  Launcelot 
enquired  of  men  of  Dover  where  was  King  Arthur  become. 
Then  the  people  told  him  how  that  he  was  slain,  and  Sir 
Mordred  and  an  hundred  thousand  died  on  a  day ;  and  how 
Sir  Mordred  gave  King  Arthur  there  the  first  battle  at  his 
landing,  and  there  was  good  Sir  Gawaine  slain ;  and  on  the 
morn  Sir  Mordred  fought  with  the  king  upon  Barham 
Down,  and  there  the  king  put  Sir  Mordred  to  the  worse. 
Alas,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  this  is  the  heaviest  tidings  that  ever 
came  to  me.  Now,  fair  sirs,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  shew  me 
the  tomb  of  Sir  Gawaine.  And  then  certain  people  of  the 
town  brought  him  into  the  castle  of  Dover,  and  shewed 
him  the  tomb.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  kneeled  down  and 
wept,  and  prayed  heartily  for  his  soul.  And  that  night  he 
made  a  dole,  and  all  they  that  would  come  had  as  much 
flesh,  fish,  wine  and  ale,  and  every  man  and  woman  had 
twelve  pence,  come  who  would.  Thus  with  his  own  hand 
dealt  he  this  money,  in  a  mourning  gown ;  and  ever  he 
wept,  and  prayed  them  to  pray  for  the  soul  of  Sir  Gawaine. 

And  on  the  morn  all  the  priests  and  clerks  that  might  be 
gotten  in  the  country  were  there,  and  sang  mass  of  Requiem  ; 
and  there  offered  first  Sir  Launcelot,  and  he  offered  an 
hundred  pound ;  and  then  the  seven  kings  offered  forty 
pound  apiece ;  and  also  there  was  a  thousand  knights,  and 
each  of  them  offered  a  pound ;  and  the  offering  dured  from 
morn  till  night,  and  Sir  Launcelot  lay  two  nights  on  his 
tomb  in  prayers  and  weeping. 


Soo     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

Then  on  the  third  day  Sir  Launcelot  called  the  kings, 
dukes,  earls,  barons,  and  knights,  and  said  thus :  My  fair 
lords,  I  thank  you  all  of  your  coming  into  this  country  with 
me,  but  we  came  too  late,  and  that  shall  repent  me  while  I 
live,  but  against  death  may  no  man  rebel.  But  sithen  it  is 
so,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  will  myself  ride  and  seek  my  lady, 
Queen  Guenever,  for  as  I  hear  say  she  hath  had  great  pain 
and  much  disease ;  and  I  heard  say  that  she  is  fled  into  the 
west.  Therefore  ye  all  shall  abide  me  here,  and  but  if  I 
come  again  within  fifteen  days,  then  take  your  ships  and 
your  fellowship,  and  depart  into  your  country,  for  I  will  do 
as  I  say  to  you. 

So  he  departed  and  rode  westerly,  and  there  he  sought 
a  seven  or  eight  days ;  and  at  the  last  he  came  to  a  nunnery, 
and  then  was  Queen  Guenever  ware  of  Sir  Launcelot  as  he 
walked  in  the  cloister.  And  when  she  saw  him  there  she 
swooned  thrice,  that  all  the  ladies  and  gentlewomen  had 
work  enough  to  hold  the  queen  up.  So  when  she  might 
speak,  she  called  ladies  and  gentlewomen  to  her,  and  said : 
Ye  marvel,  fair  ladies,  why  I  make  this  fare.  Truly,  she  said, 
it  is  for  the  sight  of  yonder  knight  that  yonder  standeth ; 
wherefore  I  pray  you  all  call  him  to  me. 

When  Sir  Launcelot  was  brought  to  her,  then  she  said 
to  all  the  ladies :  Through  this  man  and  me  hath  all  this 
war  been  wrought,  and  the  death  of  the  most  noblest  knights 
of  the  world ;  for  through  our  love  that  we  have  loved  to- 
gether is  my  most  noble  lord  slain.  Therefore,  Sir  Launce- 
lot, wit  thou  well  I  am  set  in  such  a  plight  to  get  my  soul- 
heal  ;  and  yet  I  trust  through  God's  grace  after  my  death 
to  have  a  sight  of  the  blessed  face  of  Christ,  and  at  domesday 
to  sit  on  his  right  side,  for  as  sinful  as  ever  I  was  are  saints 


SIR   LAUNCELOT  AT  THE   HERMITAGE     501 

in  heaven.  Therefore,  Sir  Launcelot,  I  require  thee  and  be- 
seech thee  heartily,  for  all  the  love  that  ever  was  betwixt 
us,  that  thou  never  see  me  more  in  the  visage ;  for  as  well 
as  I  have  loved  thee,  mine  heart  will  not  serve  me  to  see  thee, 
for  through  thee  and  me  is  the  flower  of  kings  and  knights 
destroyed ;  therefore,  Sir  Launcelot,  go  to  thy  realm,  and 
there  take  thee  a  wife,  and  live  with  her  with  joy  and  bliss ; 
and  I  pray  thee  heartily,  pray  for  me  to  our  Lord  that  I  may 
amend  my  misliving.  Now,  sweet  madam,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
would  ye  that  I  should  now  return  again  unto  my  country, 
and  there  to  wed  a  lady  ?  Nay,  madam,  wit  you  well  that 
shall  I  never  do,  for  I  shall  never  be  so  false  to  you  of  that 
I  have  promised ;  but  the  same  destiny  that  ye  have  taken 
you  to,  I  will  take  me  unto,  for  to  please  Jesu,  and  ever  for 
you  I  cast  me  specially  to  pray.  For  sithen  ye  have  taken 
you  to  perfection,  I  must  needs  take  me  to  perfection,  of  right. 
For  I  take  record  of  God,  in  you  I  have  had  mine  earthly  joy  ; 
and  if  I  had  found  you  now  so  disposed,  I  had  cast  me  to  have 
had  you  into  mine  own  realm. 

But  sithen  I  find  you  thus  disposed,  I  ensure  you  faith- 
fully, I  will  ever  take  me  to  penance,  and  pray  while  my  life 
lasteth,  if  I  may  find  any  hermit,  either  gray  or  white,  that 
will  receive  me.  Wherefore,  madam,  I  pray  you  kiss  me 
and  never  no  more.  Nay,  said  the  queen,  that  shall  I  never 
do,  but  abstain  you  from  such  works.  And  they  departed. 
But  there  was  never  so  hard  an  hearted  man  but  he  would 
have  wept  to  see  the  dolour  that  they  made ;  for  there  was 
lamentation  as  they  had  been  stung  with  spears ;  and  many 
times  they  swooned,  and  the  ladies  bare  the  queen  to  her 
chamber. 

And  Sir  Launcelot  awoke,  and  went  and  took  his  horse, 


502     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

and  rode  all  that  day  and  all  night  in  a  forest,  weeping. 
And  at  the  last  he  was  ware  of  an  hermitage  and  a  chapel 
stood  betwixt  two  cliffs ;  and  then  he  heard  a  little  bell 
ring  to  mass,  and  thither  he  rode  and  alighted,  and  tied  his 
horse  to  the  gate,  and  heard  mass.  And  he  that  sang  mass 
was  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury.  Both  the  Bishop  and  Sir 
Bedivere  knew  Sir  Launcelot,  and  they  spake  together  after 
mass.  But  when  Sir  Bedivere  had  told  his  tale  all  whole, 
Sir  Launcelot's  heart  almost  brast  for  sorrow,  and  Sir  Launce- 
lot threw  his  arms  abroad,  and  said  :  Alas,  who  may  trust  this 
world !  And  then  he  kneeled  down  on  his  knee,  and  prayed 
the  Bishop  to  shrive  him  and  assoil  him.  And  then  he  be- 
sought the  Bishop  that  he  might  be  his  brother.  Then  the 
Bishop  said  :  I  will  gladly ;  and  there  he  put  an  habit  upon  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  there  he  served  God  day  and  night  with  prayers 
and  fastings. 

Thus  the  great  host  abode  at  Dover.  And  then  Sir 
Lionel  took  fifteen  lords  with  him,  and  rode  to  London  to 
seek  Sir  Launcelot ;  and  there  Sir  Lionel  was  slain  and 
many  of  his  lords.  Then  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis  made  the  great 
host  for  to  go  home  again ;  and  Sir  Bors,  Sir  Ector  de  Maris, 
Sir  Blamore,  Sir  Bleoberis,  with  more  other  of  Sir  Launcelot's 
kin,  took  on  them  to  ride  all  England  overthwart  and  end- 
long, to  seek  Sir  Launcelot.  So  Sir  Bors  by  fortune  rode  so 
long  till  he  came  to  the  same  chapel  where  Sir  Launcelot 
was ;  and  so  Sir  Bors  heard  a  little  bell  knell,  that  rang  to 
mass ;  and  there  he  alighted  and  heard  mass.  And  when 
mass  was  done,  the  Bishop,  Sir  Launcelot,  and  Sir  Bedivere, 
came  to  Sir  Bors.  And  when  Sir  Bors  saw  Sir  Launcelot  in 
that  manner  clothing,  then  he  prayed  the  Bishop  that  he  might 
be  in  the  same  suit.  And  so  there  was  an  habit  put  upon 


OF  THE  DEATH  OF  QUEEN  GUENEVER  503 

him,  and  there  he  lived  in  prayers  and  fasting.  And  within 
half  a  year,  there  was  come  Sir  Galihud,  Sir  Galihodin,  Sir 
Blamore,  Sir  Bleoberis,  Sir  Villiars,  Sir  Clarras,  and  Sir 
Gahalantine.  So  all  these  seven  noble  knights  there  abode 
still.  And  when  they  saw  Sir  Launcelot  had  taken  him  to  such 
perfection,  they  had  no  lust  to  depart,  but  took  such  an  habit 
as  he  had. 

Thus  they  endured  in  great  penance  six  year;  and  then 
Sir  Launcelot  took  the  habit  of  priesthood  of  the  Bishop, 
and  a  twelvemonth  he  sang  mass.  And  there  was  none 
of  these  other  knights  but  they  read  in  books,  and  holp 
for  to  sing  mass,  and  rang  bells,  and  did  bodily  all  manner 
of  service.  And  so  their  horses  went  where  they  would, 
for  they  took  no  regard  of  no  worldly  riches.  For  when 
they  saw  Sir  Launcelot  endure  such  penance,  in  prayers,  and 
fastings,  they  took  no  force  what  pain  they  endured,  for  to 
see  the  noblest  knight  of  the  world  take  such  abstinence  that 
he  waxed  full  lean. 

And  thus  upon  a  night,  there  came  a  vision  to  Sir  Launce- 
lot, and  charged  him,  in  remission  of  his  sins,  to  haste  him 
unto  Almesbury :  And  by  then  thou  come  there,  thou  shalt  find 
Queen  Guenever  dead.  And  therefore  take  thy  fellows  with 
thee,  and  purvey  them  of  an  horse  bier,  and  fetch  thou  the  corpse 
of  her,  and  bury  her  by  her  husband,  the  noble  King  Arthur. 
So  this  avision  came  to  Sir  Launcelot  thrice  in  one  night. 

HOW     SIR     LAUNCELOT     WENT     WITH     HIS 
EIGHT    FELLOWS    TO    ALMESBURY,    AND 
FOUND  THERE  QUEEN  GUENEVER   DEAD, 
WHOM     THEY     BROUGHT     TO     GLASTONBURY, 
AND     HOW     SIR     LAUNCELOT     SICKENED     AND 


504     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

DIED,  AND  WAS  BORNE  TO  JOYOUS  CARD  FOR 
TO  BE  BURIED,  AND  HOW  CONSTANTINE 
REIGNED  NEXT  AFTER  ARTHUR,  AND  OF  THE 
END  OF  THIS  BOOK.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  rose  up 
or  day,  and  told  the  hermit.  It  were  well  done,  said  the 
hermit,  that  ye  made  you  ready,  and  that  you  disobey  not 
the  avision.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  took  his  eight  fellows  with 
him,  and  on  foot  they  yede  from  Glastonbury  to  Almesbury, 
the  which  is  little  more  than  thirty  mile.  And  thither  they 
came  within  two  days,  for  they  were  weak  and  feeble  to  go. 
And  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  come  to  Almesbury  within  the 
nunnery,  Queen  Guenever  died  but  half  an  hour  afore.  And 
the  ladies  told  Sir  Launcelot  that  Queen  Guenever  told  them 
all  or  she  passed,  that  Sir  Launcelot  had  been  priest  near  a 
twelvemonth,  And  hither  he  cometh  as  fast  as  he  may  to  fetch 
my  corpse ;  and  beside  my  lord,  King  Arthur,  he  shall  bury 
me.  Wherefore,  the  queen  said  in  hearing  of  them  all,  I 
beseech  Almighty  God  that  I  may  never  have  power  to  see 
Sir  Launcelot  with  my  worldly  eyen ;  and  thus,  said  all  the 
ladies,  was  ever  her  prayer  these  two  days,  till  she  was  dead. 
Then  Sir  Launcelot  saw  her  visage,  but  he  wept  not  greatly, 
but  sighed.  And  so  he  did  all  the  observance  of  the  service 
himself,  both  the  dirige,  and  on  the  morn  he  sang  mass.  And 
there  was  ordained  an  horse  bier,  with  an  hundred  torches 
ever  brenning  about  the  corpse  of  the  queen,  and  ever  Sir 
Launcelot  with  his  eight  fellows  went  about  the  horse  bier, 
singing  and  reading  many  an  holy  orison,  and  frankincense 
upon  the  corpse  incensed.  Thus  Sir  Launcelot  and  his  eight 
fellows  went  on  foot  from  Almesbury  unto  Glastonbury. 

And  when  they  were  come  to  the  chapel  and  the  hermit- 
age, there  she  had  a  dirige,  with  great  devotion.     And  on 


OF  THE  DEATH  OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT       505 

[the  morn  the  hermit  that  sometime  was  Bishop  of  Canterbury 
sang  the  mass  of  Requiem  with  great  devotion.  And  Sir 
Launcelot  was  the  first  that  offered,  and  then  also  his  eight 
fellows.  And  then  she  was  wrapped  in  cered  cloth  of  Raines, 
from  the  top  to  the  toe,  in  thirtyfold ;  and  after  she  was  put 
in  a  web  of  lead,  and  then  in  a  coffin  of  marble.  And  when  she 
was  put  in  the  earth  Sir  Launcelot  swooned,  and  lay  long  still, 
while  the  hermit  came  and  awaked  him,  and  said :  Ye  be  to 
blame,  for  ye  displease  God  with  such  manner  of  sorrow- 
making.  Truly,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  I  trust  I  do  not  dis- 
please God,  for  He  knoweth  mine  intent.  For  my  sorrow 
was  not,  nor  is  not,  for  any  rejoicing  of  sin,  but  my  sorrow 
may  never  have  end.  For  when  I  remember  of  her  beauty, 
and  of  her  noblesse,  that  was  both  with  her  king  and  with  her, 
so  when  I  saw  his  corpse  and  her  corpse  so  lie  together,  truly 
mine  heart  would  not  serve  to  sustain  my  careful  body. 
Also  when  I  remember  me  how  by  my  default,  mine  orgule 
and  my  pride,  that  they  were  both  laid  full  low,  that  were 
peerless  that  ever  was  living  of  Christian  people,  wit  you  well, 
said  Sir  Launcelot,  this  remembered,  of  their  kindness  and 
mine  unkindness,  sank  so  to  mine  heart,  that  I  might  not  sus- 
tain myself.  So  the  French  book  maketh  mention. 

Then  Sir  Launcelot  never  after  ate  but  little  meat,  ne 
drank,  till  he  was  dead.  For  then  he  sickened  more  and 
more,  and  dried,  and  dwined  away.  For  evermore,  day 
and  night,  he  prayed,  but  sometime  he  slumbered  a  broken 
sleep ;  ever  he  was  lying  grovelling  on  the  tomb  of  King 
Arthur  and  Queen  Guenever.  So  within  six  weeks  after, 
Sir  Launcelot  fell  sick,  and  lay  in  his  bed ;  and  then  he  sent 
for  the  Bishop  that  there  was  hermit,  and  all  his  true  fellows. 
Then  Sir  Launcelot  said  with  dreary  voice :  Sir  Bishop,  I 


So6     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

pray  you  give  to  me  all  my  rights  that  longeth  to  a  Christian 
man.  It  shall  not  need  you,  said  the  hermit  and  all  his  fellows, 
it  is  but  heaviness  of  your  blood,  ye  shall  be  well  mended  by 
the  grace  of  God  to-morn.  My  fair  lords,  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
wit  you  well  my  careful  body  will  into  the  earth,  I  have 
warning  more  than  now  I  will  say;  therefore  give  me  my 
rights.  So  when  he  was  houseled  and  anealed,  and  had  all 
that  a  Christian  man  ought  to  have,  he  prayed  the  Bishop  that 
his  fellows  might  bear  his  body  to  Joyous  Card.  Some  men 
say  it  was  Alnwick,  and  some  men  say  it  was  Bamborough. 
Howbeit,  said  Sir  Launcelot,  me  repenteth  sore,  but  I  made 
mine  avow  sometime,  that  in  Joyous  Gard  I  would  be  buried. 
And  because  of  breaking  of  mine  avow,  I  pray  you  all,  lead 
me  thither.  Then  there  was  weeping  and  wringing  of  hands 
among  his  fellows. 

So  at  a  season  of  the  night  they  all  went  to  their  beds, 
for  they  all  lay  in  one  chamber.  And  so  after  midnight, 
against  day,  the  Bishop  that  then  was  hermit,  as  he  lay  in 
his  bed  asleep,  he  fell  upon  a  great  laughter.  And  there- 
with all  the  fellowship  awoke,  and  came  to  the  Bishop,  and 
asked  him  what  he  ailed.  Ah  Jesu  mercy,  said  the  Bishop, 
why  did  ye  awake  me  ?  I  was  never  in  all  my  life  so  merry 
and  so  well  at  ease.  Wherefore  ?  said  Sir  Bors.  Truly, 
said  the  Bishop,  here  was  Sir  Launcelot  with  me  with  mo 
angels  than  ever  I  saw  men  in  one  day.  And  I  saw  the 
angels  heave  up  Sir  Launcelot  unto  heaven,  and  the  gates 
of  heaven  opened  against  him.  It  is  but  dretching  of  dreams, 
said  Sir  Bors,  for  I  doubt  not  Sir  Launcelot  aileth  nothing 
but  good.  It  may  well  be,  said  the  Bishop  ;  go  ye  to  his  bed, 
and  then  shall  ye  prove  the  sooth.  So  when  Sir  Bors  and  his 
fellows  came  to  his  bed  they  found  him  stark  dead,  and  he  lay 


SIR   CONSTANTINE   CHOSEN   KING          507 

as  he  had  smiled,  and  the  sweetest  savour  about  him  that  ever 
they  felt. 

Then  was  there  weeping  and  wringing  of  hands,  and  the 
greatest  dole  they  made  that  ever  made  men.  And  on  the 
morn  the  Bishop  did  his  mass  of  Requiem ;  and  after,  the 
Bishop  and  all  the  nine  knights  put  Sir  Launcelot  in  the  same 
horse  bier  that  Queen  Genever  was  laid  in  to-fore  that  she 
was  buried.  And  so  the  Bishop  and  they  all  together  went 
with  the  body  of  Sir  Launcelot  daily,  till  they  came  to  Joyous 
Card  ;  and  ever  they  had  an  hundred  torches  brenning  about 
him.  And  so  within  fifteen  days  they  came  to  Joyous  Card. 
And  there  they  laid  his  corpse  in  the  body  of  the  quire,  and 
sang  and  read  many  psalters  and  prayers  over  him  and  about 
him.  And  ever  his  visage  was  laid  open  and  naked,  that  all 
folks  might  behold  him.  For  such  was  the  custom  in  those 
days,  that  all  men  of  worship  should  so  lie  with  open  visage 
till  that  they  were  buried.  And  right  thus  as  they  were  at  their 
service,  there  came  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  that  had  seven  years 
sought  all  England,  Scotland,  and  Wales,  seeking  his  brother, 
Sir  Launcelot. 

And  when  Sir  Ector  heard  such  noise  and  light  in  the  quire 
of  Joyous  Card,  he  alighted  and  put  his  horse  from  him, 
and  came  into  the  quire,  and  there  he  saw  men  sing  and  weep. 
And  all  they  knew  Sir  Ector,  but  he  knew  not  them.  Then 
went  Sir  Bors  unto  Sir  Ector,  and  told  him  how  there  lay  his 
brother,  Sir  Launcelot,  dead ;  and  then  Sir  Ector  threw  his 
shield,  sword,  and  helm  from  him.  And  when  he  beheld 
Sir  Launcelot's  visage,  he  fell  down  in  a  swoon.  And  when 
he  waked  it  were  hard  any  tongue  to  tell  the  doleful  complaints 
that  he  made  for  his  brother.  Ah  Launcelot,  he  said,  thou 
were  head  of  all  Christian  knights,  and  now  I  dare  say,  said 


So8     OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 

Sir  Ector,  thou  Sir  Launcelot,  there  thou  liest,  that  thou  were 
never  matched  of  earthly  knight's  hand.  And  thou  were 
the  courteoust  knight  that  ever  bare  shield.  And  thou  were 
the  truest  friend  to  thy  lover  that  ever  bestrad  horse.  And 
thou  were  the  truest  lover  of  a  sinful  man  that  ever  loved 
woman.  And  thou  were  the  kindest  man  that  ever  struck  with 
sword.  And  thou  were  the  goodliest  person  that  ever  came 
among  press  of  knights.  And  thou  was  the  meekest  man  and 
the  gentlest  that  ever  ate  in  hall  among  ladies.  And  thou  were 
the  sternest  knight  to  thy  mortal  foe  that  ever  put  spear  in 
the  rest.  Then  there  was  weeping  and  dolour  out  of  measure. 
Thus  they  kept  Sir  Launcelot's  corpse  aloft  fifteen  days, 
and  then  they  buried  it  with  great  devotion.  And  then  at 
leisure  they  went  all  with  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury  to  his 
hermitage,  and  there  they  were  together  more  than  a  month. 
Then  Sir  Constantine,  that  was  Sir  Cador's  son  of  Cornwall, 
was  chosen  king  of  England.  And  he  was  a  full  noble  knight, 
and  worshipfully  he  ruled  this  realm.  And  then  this  King 
Constantine  sent  for  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  for  he  heard 
say  where  he  was.  And  so  he  was  restored  unto  his  Bishopric, 
and  left  that  hermitage.  And  Sir  Bedivere  was  there  ever 
still  hermit  to  his  life's  end,  but  Sir  Bors,  Sir  Ector,  Sir  Blamore, 
and  Sir  Bleoberis,  went  into  the  Holy  Land  thereas  Jesu  Christ 
was  quick  and  dead.  For  the  book  saith,  so  Sir  Launcelot 
commanded  them  for  to  do,  or  ever  he  passed  out  of  this 
world.  And  these  four  knights  did  many  battles  upon  the 
miscreants  or  Turks.  And  there  they  died  upon  a  Good 
Friday  for  God's  sake. 


OF  LAUNCELOT  AND  GUENEVER 


509 


3&ere  ig  tfje  entr  of  tfje  boofc  of  Ittng  artljur,  antr  of  Ijig  noile 
ftmgfjtg  of  tfje  iEountr  Stable,  tfjat  foijen  tfjeg  toere  toljole 
together  tljere  toajS  e&er  an  tjuntireti  antr  fiftg,    Sntr 
fjere  tg  tfje  entr  of  tije  treatfj  of  artfjur,    I  prag  gou 
all,  gentlemen  antr  gentlewomen  tjjat  realretfj  tljtg 
ftooftof  artftur  anti  Ijtg  ftntgfjts,  from  tlje  begin- 
ning to  tfje  ending,  prag  for  me  toftile  I  am 
alibe,  tfjat  ffiotr  gentr  me  gooU  fceliberanee, 
anti  tofjen  I  am  treatr,  I  prag  gou  all 
prag  for  mg  gouL   jfor  tfjte  boofe  toas 
entreti  t|je  ntntfj  gear  of  tJje  reign 
of  Iting  lEtrtoartr  tlje  JFourtfj,  ig 
Sir  Efjomag  ifialeore,  ftnigljt, 
ag  3egu  Jjelp  fjim  for  Ijig 
great  migljt,  ag  fte  tg  tfje 
ger&ant  of  3egu  iotij 
trag  antr  ntgijt. 


GLOSSARY 


GLOSSARY 


Abate,  depress,  calm. 

Abought,  paid  for. 

Accompt,  account. 

Accorded,  agreed. 

Ado,  business. 

Adoubted,  afraid. 

Again,  against,  in  the  presence  of. 

Againsay,  retract. 

Aligement,  alleviation. 

Allegeance,  alleviation. 

Allow,  approve. 

Almeries,  chests. 

Alther,  gen.  pi.,  of  all. 

Amounted,  mounted. 

An,  if. 

An-angered,  made  the  object  of  anger. 

Anealed,  anointed. 

Apair,  weaken. 

Appeach,  impeach. 

Appealed,  challenged,  accused. 

Araged,  enraged,  confused. 

Araised,  raised. 

Arase,  obliterate. 

Areared,  reared. 

Array,  plight,  state  of  affairs. 

Arson,  saddle-bow. 

Assoil,  absolve. 

Assotted,  infatuated. 

At,  of,  by. 

At-af ter,  after. 

Aumbries,  chests. 

Avail  (at),  at  an  advantage. 

Avision,  vision. 

Avoid,  quit,  get  clear  of. 

Avow,  vow. 

Await,  watch  for. 

Bachelors,  probationers  for  knighthood. 
Barbican,  gate-tower. 
Battle,  division  of  an  army. 
Bawdy,  dirty. 
Beale,  beautiful. 

2L 


Beams,  trumpets. 

Be-closed,  enclosed. 

Become,  pp.,  befallen,  gone  to. 

Bedashed,  splashed. 

Behests,  promises. 

Behight,  promised. 

Beholden  (beholding)  to,  obliged  to. 

Behote,  promised. 

Beseen,  appointed,  arrayed. 

Bestead,  beset,  placed. 

Betake,  entrust. 

Betaught,  entrusted,  recommended. 

Betid,  happened. 

Betook,  committed,  entrusted. 

Blank,  white. 

Bobaunce,  boasting,  pride. 

Borrows,  pledges. 

Bote,  remedy. 

Bound,  ready. 

Bourder,  jester. 

Braced,  embraced. 

Brachet,  little  hound. 

Braid,  quick  movement. 

Brake,  communicated. 

Brast,  burst,  break. 

Breaths,  breathing  holes. 

Brief,  shorten. 

Brim,  fierce,  furious. 

Brised,  broke. 

Bur,  hand-guard  of  a  spear. 

Burble,  bubble. 

Burbling,  bubbling. 

Burgenetts,  buds,  blossoms. 

Bushment,  ambush. 

By  and  by,  immediately. 

Cankered,  malignant. 

Cantel,  slice,  strip. 

Careful,  sorrowful,  full  of  troubles. 

Cast  (of  bread),  batch. 

Cere,  wax  over,  embalm. 

Certes,  certainly. 


SI3 


514 


THE   ROMANCE  OF   KING  ARTHUR 


Chafe,  heat. 

Charged,  burdened. 

Chariot,  cart. 

Cheer,  countenance,  entertainment. 

Chierte,  dearness. 

Cognisance,  badge,  mark  of  distinction. 

Coif,  head-piece. 

Comfort,  strengthen,  help. 

Complished,  complete. 

Condescended,  agreed. 

Conserve,  preserve. 

Cost,  side. 

Costed,  kept  up  with. 

Courage,  disposition. 

Courage,  ».,  encourage. 

Courtelage,  courtyard. 

Covin,  deceit. 

Croup,  crupper. 

Daffish,  foolish. 

Danger  (in),  in  the  power  of. 

Dawed,  v.  tr.,  revived ;  intr.,  dawned. 

Deadly,  mortal,  human. 

Deal,  part,  whit. 

Debate,  quarrel,  strife. 

Deceivable,  deceitful. 

Defend,  forbid. 

Defoiled,  trodden  down,  deflowered. 

Degree  (win  or  yield  the),  rank,  superiority. 

Deliverly,  adroitly. 

Departed,  divided,  parted. 

Departition,  departure,  sundering. 

Descrive,  describe. 

Did  off,  doffed. 

Dight,  prepared. 

Disadventure,  misfortune. 

Discover,  reveal. 

Diseased,  unwell. 

Disherited,  disinherited. 

Disparpled,  scattered. 

Dissever,  distinguish. 

Distained,  sullied,  dishonoured. 

Disworship,  shame. 

Do,  cause. 

Dole,  gift  of  alms. 

Dole,  sorrow. 

Dolour,  grief. 

Don,  gift. 

Doted,  foolish. 

Draughts,  recesses. 

Drenched,  drowned. 

Dress,  make  ready. 

Dressed  up,  raised. 

D  retching,  being  troubled  in  sleep. 


Driving,  riding  fast. 
Dure,  endure,  last. 
Duresse,  bondage,  hardship. 
Dwine,  dwindle. 

Eased,  entertained. 

Eft,  after,  again. 

Eftures,  passages. 

Embushed,  concealed  in  the  woods. 

Em,  uncle. 

Empoison,  poison. 

Enchafe,  heat. 

Enchieve,  achieve. 

Endlong,  alongside  of,  along. 

Enforce,  constrain. 

Engine,  device. 

Enow,  enough. 

Ensured,  assured. 

Entermete,  meddle. 

Errant,  wandering. 

Estates,  ranks. 

Evenlong,  along. 

Everych,  each,  every  one. 

Fain,  gladly. 

Fare,  sb.,  ado,  commotion 

Faren,  pp.,  treated. 

Faute,  v.,  lack. 

Fealty,  oath  of  fidelity. 

Fear,  frighten. 

Feute,  trace,  track. 

Feuter,  set  in  rest,  couch. 

Fiaunce,  affiance,  promise. 

Flang,  flung,  rushed. 

Flatling,  prostrate. 

Fleet,  float. 

Flemed,  put  to  flight. 

Foiled,  defeated,  shamed. 

Foin,  thrust. 

Foot-hot,  hastily. 

For-bled,  spent  with  bleeding. 

Force  (no),  no  concern. 

Fordo,  destroy. 

Forecast,  preconcerted  plot. 

For-fared,  worsted. 

Forfend,  forbid. 

Forfoughten,  weary  with  fightng. 

Forhewn,  hewn  to  pieces. 

Forjousted,  tired  with  jousting,  worsted. 

Forthdays,  far  advanced  in  the  day. 

Forthink,  repent. 

Fortuned,  happened. 

Forward,  vanguard. 

Forwhy,  because. 


GLOSSARY 


Free,  noble. 
Freshed,  refreshed. 

Gar,  cause. 

Germane,  closely  allied. 

Gest,  deed,  story. 

Glaive,  sword. 

Glasting,  barking. 

Glatisant,  barking,  yelping. 

Gree,  degree,  superiority. 

Greed,  pp.,  pleased,  content. 

Grimly,  ugly. 

Grovelling,  lying  face  downwards. 

Hair,  a  hair-shirt. 

Hale  and  how,  a  sailor's  cry,  heave-ho. 

Halp,  stumbled. 

Halse,  embrace. 

Harbingers,  messengers  sent  to  prepare  lodgings. 

Harness,  armour. 

Haut,  high,  noble. 

Hauteyn,  haughty. 

Heavy,  sad. 

Hete,  command. 

Hied,  hurried. 

High  (on),  aloud. 

Hight,  called. 

Hilled,  covered,  concealed. 

Holp,  helped. 

Holts,  woods. 

Hough-bone,  back  part  of  knee-joint. 

Houselled,  given  the  Eucharist. 

Hove,  hover,  wait  about. 

Hurled,  dashed,  staggered. 

Intermeddled,  mixed. 

Japer,  joker. 
Japes,  jests. 

Jesseraunt,  a  short  cuirass. 
Journey,  day  of  battle. 

Keep,  v.,  care,  reck. 

Kemps,  champions. 

Kind,  nature. 

Kindly,  natural. 

Knights  parters,  marshals. 

Knowledging,  acknowledgment,  confession. 

Lain,  conceal. 
Langering,  sauntering. 
Large,  generous. 
Largess,  liberality. 
Laund,  waste,  plain. 
Lazar-cot,  leper-house. 


Lead,  sb.,  leaden  seal. 

Learn,  teach. 

Lears,  cheeks. 

Leaved,  leafy. 

Leech,  physician. 

Let,  caused  to. 

Let,  hinder. 

Lief,  dear. 

Lieve,  believe. 

List,  desire,  pleasure. 

Lith,  joint. 

Livelihood,  income,  estate. 

Long  unto,  belong  to,  fit. 

Long  on  (upon),  because  of. 

Loos,  praise. 

Loveday,  day  for  settling  disputes. 

Loving,  praising. 

Lusk,  lubber. 

Lusts,  inclination,  pleasure. 

Makeless,  matchless. 

Makers,  authors,  poets. 

Mai  engine,  evil  intent. 

Mai-fortune,  ill-luck,  mishap. 

Marches,  borders. 

Mass-penny,  offering  at  mass  for  the  dead. 

Masteries,  feats. 

Matchecold,  machicolated,  with  holes  for  defence. 

Maugre,  sb.,  despite. 

Measle,  disease. 

Meddle,  engage  in  battle. 

Mickle,  much. 

Minever,  ermine. 

Mischieved,  hurt. 

Mischievous,  painful. 

Miscreature,  unbeliever. 

Mo,  more. 

More  and  less,  rich  and  poor. 

Mote,  may. 

Motes,  notes  on  a  horn. 

Mountenance,  amount  of,  extent. 

Moved,  suggested. 

Much,  great. 

Naked,  unarmed. 

Namely,  especially. 

Ne,  nor. 

Near-hand,  near,  nearly. 

Nesh,  soft,  tender. 

Nill,  will  not. 

Nis,  ne  is,  is  not. 

Nist,  ne  wist,  knew  not. 

Noblesse,  nobleness. 

Nobley,  nobility,  splendour. 


THE  ROMANCE  OF  KING  ARTHUR 


Noised,  reported. 
Nold,  would  not. 
Not  for  then,  nevertheless. 

Obeissance,  obedience. 
Or,  before. 
Orgule,  haughtiness. 
Orgulist,  haughtiest. 
Orgulitg,  pride,  arrogance. 
Orgulous,  proud. 
Orison,  prayer. 
Other,  or. 
Ouches,  jewels. 
Ought,  owned. 
Outcept,  except. 
Outher,  or. 
Out-take,  except. 
Overthwart,  adj.,  cross. 
Overthwart,  sb.,  mischance. 
Overthwart  and  endlong,  by  the  breadth  and 
length. 

Painture,  painting. 

Pair  of  beads,  rosary. 

Paitrelles,  breastplate  of  a  horse. 

Parage,  dignity. 

Parclos,  partition. 

Pareil,  like. 

Passing,  surpassingly. 

Pavilion,  tent. 

Peaced,  quieted, 

Perdy,  par  Dieu. 

Perish,  destroy. 

Peron,  tombstone. 

Pight,  pitched. 

Pike,  steal  away. 

Pill,  plunder. 

Fillers,  plunderers. 

Pleasaunce,  pleasure. 

Plenour,  complete. 

Pointling,  aiming. 

Pont,  bridge. 

Posseded,  possessed. 

Press,  throng,  crowd. 

Prime,  6.0  A.M. 

Prise,  capture. 

Puissance,  power. 

Purvey,  provide. 

Purveyance,  provision. 

Quarrels,  arrowheads. 
Questing,  barking. 
Quick,  alive. 

Raced  (rased),  tore. 
Raines,  Rennes. 


Ransacked,  searched. 

Rash,  rush. 

Rasing,  rushing. 

Rasure,  cuttingness. 

Raught,  reached,  fetched. 

Rechate,  bugle-note  of  recall. 

Recover,  rescue. 

Rede,  sb.,  counsel,  v.  advise. 

Rejoice,  enjoy. 

Religion,  religious  order. 

Reneye,  deny. 

Report,  refer. 

Retrayed,  drew  back. 

Rightwise,  rightly. 

Sacring,  consecrating. 

Sad,  serious. 

Sadly,  heartily,  earnestly. 

Samite,  silk  stuff  with  gold  or  silver  threads. 

Sangreal,  Holy  Grail. 

Sarps,  girdles. 

Saw,  proverb. 

Scripture,  writing. 

Search,  probe  wounds. 

Semblant,  semblance,  appearance. 

Sewe,  follow. 

Sewer,  officer  who  served  and  tasted  dishes. 

Sheef,  thrust. 

Sheer-Thursday,  Thursday  in  Holy  Week. 

Shend,  harm. 

Shenship,  disgrace. 

Shent,  undone,  disgraced,  blamed. 

Shrew,  sturdy  knave. 

Shrewd,  knavish. 

Sib,  akin  to. 

Sideling,  sideways. 

Siege,  seat. 

Siker,  sure. 

Sith,  since. 

Slade,  valley. 

Soil  (to  go  to),  hunting  term  for  taking  to  water. 

Sort,  company. 

Sperd,  bolted. 

Spere,  ask,  inquire. 

Sperhawk,  sparrowhawk. 

Spiritualites,  sacred  places. 

Stead,  place. 

Stert,  started,  rose  quickly. 

Steven,  voice. 

Stigh,  path. 

Stilly,  silently. 

Stint,  sb.,  fixed  revenue. 

Stint,  v.  stop. 

Stonied,  astonished,  became  confused. 


GLOSSARY 


Stour,  battle. 
Strait,  narrow. 
Strake,  blow  a  horn. 
Sue,  pursue. 

Surcingles,  saddle  girths. 
Sweven,  dream. 

Tatches,  qualities. 

Term,  period  of  time. 

Tho,  then. 

Thrang,  pushed. 

Till,  to. 

To-brast,  burst. 

To-drive,  be  carried  away. 

To-fore,  before. 

To-hew,  hewed. 

Took,  gave. 

To-shivered,  broken  to  pieces. 

Traced,  advanced  and  retreated. 

Trasing,  pressing  forward. 

Traverse,  move  sideways,  j 

Trenchant,  cutting,  sharp.] 

Trest,  hunting  term. 

Truage,  tribute. 

Trussed,  packed. 

Ubblie,  sacred  wafer,  Host. 
Umbecast,  cast  about. 
Umbre,  shade. 
Unavised,  thoughtlessly. 
Underne,  9-12  A.M. 
Ungoodly,  rudely. 
Unhappy,  unlucky. 
Unbilled,  uncovered. 
Unnethe,  scarcely. 
Unsiker,  unstable. 
Unwarly,  at  unawares. 
Unwrast,  untwisted,  unbound. 
Up-so-down,  upside  down. 
Usurped,  encroached. 
Utterance,  uttermost. 


Venery,  hunting. 

Villain,  man  of  low  birth. 

Visors,  the  perforated  parts  of  helmets. 

Void,  empty. 

Wagging,  shaking. 

Waits,  watches. 

Wake,  watch. 

Wallop,  gallop. 

Wan,  ebb. 

Wap,  ripple. 

Ware,  aware. 

Warison,  reward. 

Warn,  forbid,  refuse. 

Weeds,  garments. 

Weltered,  rolled  about. 

Where,  whereas. 

Wield,  possess,  have  power  over. 

Wight,  brave,  strong. 

Wite,  v.,  blame. 

Withsay,  oppose. 

Witting,  knowledge. 

Wold  or  nold,  would  or  would  not. 

Wonder,  adj.,  wondrous. 

Wonder,  adv.,  wondrously. 

Wonderly,  wonderfully. 

Wood,  mad. 

Woodness,  madness. 

Wood  shaw,  thicket  of  the  wood. 

Worship,  honour. 

Worship,  v.,  cause  to  be  honoured. 

Worth,  befall  (woe  worth,  woe  befall). 

Wot,  know. 

Wrack,  destruction. 

Writhe,  twist. 

Wrothe,  twisted. 

Yede,  ran,  went. 
Yelden,  yielded. 
Yolden,  yielded. 
Y-wis,  certainly. 


THE  END 


Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America. 


